Maize, a global primary food source for much of the world, continues to mystify both its fans and enemies. Its
DNA is as complex as a human's and it has been immersed in folklore since its origins; you either love or hate corn - there
is little room for apathy or indifference.
The CORN YOUTH ALLIANCE upholds this mysterious tradition by maintaining its mysteriosity in mystery mysteriously.
When Maize was first introduced outside of Mesoamerica, the lack of correct preparation (treating it with an alkali such as
lime or ash to liberate niacin) caused many to die of pellagra (a form of malnutrition) until it was discovered that the Mesoamericans
did not die of pellagra. The first signs of this preparation method were seen in 1200-1500 BCE in Aztec and Mayan, but not
Incan, cultures. We at the CORN YOUTH ALLIANCE take niacin to keep from getting pellagra, or we eat it directly from the can.
The CYA believes that corn, or maize, is the world's best food - in the world and we hope to someday visit the
site recognized as containing the oldest corn remains - our shrine, the birthplace of our mother, the Guila Naquitz Cave in
the Oaxaca Valley in Mexico.
www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/corn/
