Blue Corn: Heritage Food Spotlight

The Pharm Table kitchen strives to utilize heritage foods and superfoods.

This week's heritage food spotlight falls on blue corn.

In today's world of GMOs, it is imperative to support and protect our heirloom corn varieties. We source heritage blue corn from Veracruz, Mexico.

Blue corn is a nutritious corn variety native to Mexico. This variety of corn is easier to digest than its yellow counterpart, as it has less indigestible starch. It also has about 20% more protein than yellow corn and a lower glycemic index. This means less sugar spikes and crashes.

Anthocyanins found in blue corn contain antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. These may aid the body in fighting inflammatory metabolic and cardiac diseases.

The non-GMO blue corn tortillas used in our Farm to Table Tacos are made using a process called nixtamalization, wherein the corn is soaked and cooked in an alkalizing solution. This traditional method is also utilized with hominy corn. Nixtamalization softens the outer skin, the endosperm, dissolving lectins and making it easier for the body to absorb the corn's nutrients.

Try introducing blue corn into your diet! The difference in flavor and health benefits is worth the switch.