corncob
Sign in to saveAlso known as corn cob, cob of corn, maizecob, maize cob, cob of maize, maize spindle, corn spindle
thumb|A cross-section of an ear of corn, showing the cob.A corncob, also called corn cob or cob of corn, is the hard core of an ear of maize, bearing the kernels, made up of the chaff, woody ring, and pith. Corncobs contain mainly cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The cob is not toxic to humans and can be digested, but the outside is rough and practically inedible in its original form. The foamy pith has a peculiar texture when mature and is completely bland, which most people would find unappealing, due to the consistency similar to foam plastic.
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thumb|A cross-section of an ear of corn, showing the cob.A corncob, also called corn cob or cob of corn, is the hard core of an ear of maize, bearing the kernels, made up of the chaff, woody ring, and pith. Corncobs contain mainly cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The cob is not toxic to humans and can be digested, but the outside is rough and practically inedible in its original form. The foamy pith has a peculiar texture when mature and is completely bland, which most people would find unappealing, due to the consistency similar to foam plastic.
However, during several instances of famine (especially in European countries throughout history), people have been known to eat the corncobs, especially the foamy middle part. Dried and ground corncobs have a high fiber content and thus can be used in dietary supplements. Corn cob powder can also be mixed with flour to improve the nutritional quality of baked goods.