Viva!
Originating from Central America, studies suggest that corn or maize (zea mays) was domesticated in Mexico as early as 10,000 years ago. Archaeologists have found the remains of smaller plants with the characteristic rows of kernels on the cob. Selective breeding over the years has enabled farmers to cultivate larger varieties, which are now grown all over the world. Maize has become the leading global staple cereal, with the annual production now exceeding one billion tonnes.