Corn - Kānga Mā

NZH. We received this corn from a Northland seed grower, Joseph Land. His family has grown this corn for years and makes a beautiful bread from it cooked the traditional way by simmering the corn with clean wood ash and then mixing and fermenting with half wheat flour to produce a delicious sourdough loaf. The corn was gifted to the Lands from Māori growers in Ruatoria. They shared that the line was mixed with Kānga Mā (White Corn, flint type) and Niho Hōiho (Horsetooth, dent type), Joseph has been selecting for some years for the Kānga Mā type, as this is his preferred corn. Research suggests that Niho Hōiho is one of the first 5 varieties introduced to New Zealand by European settlers. Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne introduced corn to New Zealand in 1772, it is not known which variety(ies) he brought on his expedition. It is noted that this corn bears striking resemblance to the sacred corns of Native Americans most notably the variety Cherokee White and the Mexican corns used for posole. All corn originated in the Americas and the Spanish brought back what they found in South America, so it only reasons the Māori corns are related to these ancient corns and have been held in a pure state genetically in our GMO-free country. This corn produces large robust plants standing up to 2.5m with elegantly long 18-24cm cobbs. The large pearl-coloured kernels are so beautiful they tempt even the most modest human to reach out and touch them. Traditional Māori recipes like Kānga Pirau (fermented or rotten corn) can be made as well as flour for bread or tortilla. When this seed was gifted to the Lands, it was said that it is a sacred corn and not to be sold. We will uphold this request as this was mentioned when we were passed the corn. We offer this corn as a gift, as it was gifted to us, and it is best shared in this way.

Sow into trays in October in areas where there is frost, to 4cm diagonal spacing and keep in glasshouse. Transplant out to 25cm diagonal spacing in garden bed in November-December taking care to protect from frost. Or direct sow at 10-20cm spacing in October-November taking care to protect from frost. A heavy feeder, will require fertile soil.

40 seeds.

❂  Try this beautiful corn on us! Kānga Mā corn was gifted to us with the message that it should never be sold. So we honour this by giving it to all of our best customers. Spend over $50.00 on our seeds (not including postage) and a packet of this corn will be included in your order. Simply add it into your basket before checking out.  ❂