Corn is one of the most important grains worldwide. 

The kernels of corn are eaten as food, and they can be used for producing a lot of food products.

This cereal crop has been cultivated by societies for thousands of years which has led to the development of so many cultivars. 

The different cultivars have distinctive features including in their taste, size, texture, and color of their kernels.

Shoepeg corn is a well known variety of sweet corn in some regions of the United States, particularly in the South, where it is preferred in some recipes..

It often has white kernels, however, where shoepeg corn stands out from other white corn varieties is in the unique arrangement of its kernels.

In this post, we explore the differences between shoepeg corn and other white corn varieties. 

Difference between shoepeg corn and white corn

Corn kernels come in different colors. Most times they are white or Yellow.

However, while the kernels of most white corn varieties grow in even rows down the length of the cob, the kernels of shoepeg corn are irregular, and arranged in jagged groupings.

This pattern of arrangement occurs during development as a result of formation of more kernels than normal, which causes the disruption of the normal row pattern.

What is shoepeg corn?

A variety of sweet corn with small, narrow kernels tightly packed on the corn cob.

This corn is named after the wooden pegs that were used to hold the soles of shoes in place in the 19th century.

The kernels of shoepeg are not organized into straight rows like other varieties of corn, instead they are tightly packed into jagged groupings. 

The kernels of shoepeg corn can either be white or yellow in color, they are generally sweet tasting with a milky flavor and have a nice texture.

This corn can be found fresh, however, most times it is available canned. It can also be available Frozen.

Shoepeg corn is versatile. This corn can be paired with a variety of other ingredients to make casseroles, salads, dips, and chili. 

There are different varieties of shoepeg corn, one of the most popular is the Country Gentleman Corn; An heirloom variety which was introduced in 1891.

The country gentleman corn has small, narrow white kernels which are irregularly packed in a zig zag pattern

White corn

White corn is generally used to describe various cultivars of corn with white to cream colored kernels 

They are cylindrical and can reach lengths of up to 25 cm. 

An ear of white corn contains can contain up to 400 kernels, and it is covered with light green husks. 

These kernels are small, and oval to oblong in shape

The surface, as well as the interior of white corn kernels is also white 

When ripe, the white corn kernels have a high sugar content and they are tender with a succulent in texture  

They become tougher and chewier are the corn ages, and as their sugars become transformed to starch  

White corn also varies in texture and flavor depending on the variety.  

Corn is available year-round, and it is rich in fibers, vitamins and minerals such as iron, copper, and magnesium. 

White corn can be roasted, steamed, boiled, or grilled. It can also be used to make salads.

Apart from shoepeg corn, other popular varieties of white corn include silver, queen, and treasure corn. 

Conclusion

Corn with different colors of their kernels are not so different.

White corn may share certain similarities with yellow corn including in texture and flavor  

There are other features that are used to categorize corn including sugar levels, texture, flavor, starch content, and shelf life.