Maíz in various forms

Coming to Peru I had been told about the wide variety of potatoes that we would find here (apparently there are around 4,000 varieties to be found in the country!). It is fun to discover that there are also types of corn I’ve never seen before and that we’ve already had corn prepared in 3 very different ways. The deep purple corn is the most visually striking:

Maiz morado

The purple corn is boiled and used to make a drink called “Chicha” with pineapple, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves and sugar.

We’ve also been enjoying the Peruvian version of popcorn, served as a snack with drinks. It is in fact salted roasted large corn kernels that don’t pop. In other words, yes, unpopped popcorn. It is called “Cancha” and when you’re in luck, it is served warm. Mmmm….

Peruvian corn snack (Canchita)

We’ve also come across the gigantic Stephen-size corn called “Choclo” that has huge kernels that are dried and then soaked and added to soup or rice.  Stephen is relishing this newly discovered local flavour (and somehow it seemed appropriate to photograph the corn in his hands…)

Stephen-sized choclo corn

Here’s to corn! In all its glorious varieties! I’m looking forward to seeing what else “crops” up.