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SW Indiana | Just a specific grade required for certain processors or exporters. We get a little additional premium on top of the base non GMO premium
Hard endosperm corn, also known as "horneous endosperm" corn, is a type of corn characterized by a dense, flinty endosperm. The endosperm is the main energy reserve in a corn kernel and provides the energy for the developing seedling. The structure and properties of the endosperm are what determine the hardness of the corn. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Structure of hard endosperm A hard endosperm has a robust protein matrix that tightly binds the starch granules together, resulting in a translucent, glassy appearance. This contrasts with the soft, or "floury," endosperm, where the protein matrix is weaker and the starch granules are loosely bound. The outer regions of a corn kernel typically contain hard endosperm, while the inner parts are softer. [1, 6, 7, 8, 9]
Uses and applications The hardness of the endosperm is a critical factor for corn processors, as different applications require corn with different levels of hardness.
• Dry milling and alkaline cooking: Dry millers and alkaline cookers prefer hard, dense corn kernels because they produce high yields of large, uniform grits for products like corn flakes, tortillas, and corn chips.
• Wet milling and feed: Wet millers and animal feeders prefer medium to soft corn. Softer corn is easier to process for applications like cornstarch and is more efficiently digested by livestock.
• Flint corn: This variety of corn is known for its high proportion of hard endosperm, giving the kernels a characteristic glassy texture and resistance to insect damage. [2, 4, 10, 11, 12, 13]
Hardness factors The degree of hardness in corn is affected by both genetics and environmental factors.
• Cultivar: Different corn varieties naturally have varying ratios of hard to soft endosperm.
• Climate and drying: The drying process significantly impacts kernel hardness. When dried properly, especially in certain climates, corn develops a hard endosperm with minimal stress cracks. In contrast, high-temperature drying can cause internal stress cracks, making the kernel more susceptible to breakage. [14, 15, 16, 17, 18]
Edited by Walton Farms 10/13/2025 21:22
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The good and bad of agri-gold 640-24, 642-32, and 644-64
