Corn, maize or choclo

Today I went for a walk with some friends around and after feeling a wee bit hungry decided to get some choclo con queso (corn and cheese) at the market. Most of the year I dont bother but as they are in season they are delicious. I though it might be interesting to have a look at some of the history of maize in Peru.

Maize can be found up to 10000 years ago in history and has been fundamental in both the Inca and Aztec history currently in Peru it is grown in 550,000 heactares and is one of the largest produced crops in Peru.

Corn of which there are approximately 50 different varieties in Peru alone,  is used in everything here, cake, salads, on its own, soups, ceviche and one of my favourites in chicha morada a cordial not unsimliar to vimto.

There is another well known corn in Cusco which is the GIANT CORN, which the farming method has been named a cultural heritage, this is also partly due to the fact that it is only grown in a 70km long valley by only 5000 farmers. 

So if you want to learn a bit more about corn visit us at www.tikatrek.com and www.tikasoapperu.com come eat some Peruvian corn.