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Corncob
View on WikipediaThis article's tone or style may not reflect the encyclopedic tone used on Wikipedia. (August 2023) |

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.[1]
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.[citation needed] Dried and ground corncobs have a high fiber content and thus can be used in dietary supplements.[2] Corn cob powder can also be mixed with flour to improve the nutritional quality of baked goods.[3]
Corncobs are used as biofuel, as they are an efficient, cheap and an environmentally friendly source of heat when burned,[4] so they were traditionally used for roasting meat on the spit, barbecuing and heating the bread ovens, through the centuries. It has been used for its long and steady burning embers, making is suitable for use in ember irons.[citation needed]

When harvesting corn, the corncob may be collected as part of the ear (necessary for corn on the cob), or instead may be left as part of the corn stover in the field, which may improve soil quality.[5]
Uses
[edit]Agricultural
[edit]- Bedding for animals — cobs absorb moisture and provide a compliant surface[6]
- Fiber in fodder for ruminant livestock (despite low nutritional value)
- Diluent/carrier/filler material in animal health products, agro-chemicals, veterinary formulations, vitamin premixes, pharmaceuticals, etc.[7]
- Soil conditioner, water retainer in horticulture[7]
Culinary
[edit]Corncobs are not frequently consumed after the corn has matured. Young ears of corn are harvested while the cob is still tender and are eaten whole. Baby corn is common in stir fries and Thai cuisine.[8] The cob can still be used for cooking, after the corn has matured:
Pest control
[edit]- Powdered corn cob is used as an environmentally-friendly rodenticide.
Industrial
[edit]- Industrial source of the chemical furfural[11]
- Absorbent media for safe disposal of liquid and solid effluents[7]
Other products
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Gandam, Pradeep Kumar; Chinta, Madhavi Latha; Gandham, A. Priyadarshini; Pabbathi, Ninian Prem Prashanth; Konakanchi, Srilekha; Bhavanam, Anjireddy; Atchuta, Srinivasa R.; Baadhe, Rama Raju; Bhatia, Ravi Kant (December 2022). "A New Insight into the Composition and Physical Characteristics of Corncob—Substantiating Its Potential for Tailored Biorefinery Objectives". Fermentation. 8 (12): 704. doi:10.3390/fermentation8120704. ISSN 2311-5637.
- ^ Njideka, Bede Evelyn; Chijioke, Mmuoasinam Beluonwu; Onuegbu, Ngozika Chioma; Ahaotu, Ndidiamaka Nnennaya; Peter-Ikechukwu, Anne Ihebuzaju (2020-07-30). "Maize cob as dietary fiber source for high-fiber biscuit Primary tabs". GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 12 (1): 138–144. doi:10.30574/gscbps.2020.12.1.0203.
- ^ Islam, Fakhar; Imran, Ali; Afzaal, Muhammad; Saeed, Farhan; Asghar, Aasma; Shahid, Sumaira; Shams, Arooj; Zahra, Syeda Mahvish; Biswas, Sunanda; Aslam, Muhammad Arslan (May 2023). "Nutritional, functional, and ethno-medical properties of sweet corn cob: a concurrent review". International Journal of Food Science & Technology. 58 (5): 2181–2188. doi:10.1111/ijfs.16338. ISSN 0950-5423.
- ^ Asonja, Aleksandar; Desnica, Eleonora; Radovanovic, Ljiljana (2017-01-02). "Energy efficiency analysis of corn cob used as a fuel". Energy Sources, Part B: Economics, Planning, and Policy. 12 (1): 1–7. Bibcode:2017EneSB..12....1A. doi:10.1080/15567249.2014.881931. ISSN 1556-7249.
- ^ "Corn Cobs on the Job". www.usda.gov. Archived from the original on 2025-04-19. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ Aston, Andrew (November 14, 2010). "Bedding For Laboratory Animals". ALN Magazine. Archived from the original on September 27, 2015. Retrieved October 28, 2015.
- ^ a b c "Corn Cob Powder". www.rahiindustries.com.
- ^ Coelho, Steph. "Baby corn, explained: What it is and where it comes from". Business Insider. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ Hunt, Tom (2022-08-13). "How to turn spent corn cobs into stock – recipe". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ Nguyen, Andrea (2023-09-21). "Vietnamese Corn Milk Recipe (Sua Bap)". Viet World Kitchen. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ Engineers, N.B.C. (2006). Wheat, Rice, Corn, Oat, Barley and Sorghum Processing Handbook (Cereal Food Technology). Asia Pacific Business Press. p. 173. ISBN 978-81-7833-002-0.
- ^ Tobacco Leaf. 1907. pp. 36, 38. Retrieved October 29, 2015.
- ^ Roth, Greg; Gustafson, Cole (January 31, 2014). "Corn Cobs for Biofuel Production". Cooperative Extension System. Archived from the original on September 10, 2015. Retrieved October 28, 2015.
- ^ Ruane, Michael E. (18 Mar 2020). "Toilet paper takes center stage amid coronavirus outbreak. Be thankful we no longer use corn cobs and rope ends". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 2020-03-18. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
- ^ Zeltwanger, Alicia (2018-12-07). "Make Your Own Corn Cob Dolls DIY". Little House on the Prairie. Retrieved 2023-08-14.
External links
[edit]Corncob
View on GrokipediaDescription
Anatomy and Structure
The corncob is defined as the woody core or central axis of the maize (Zea mays) ear, serving as the structural support for kernel attachment and development. It forms the thickened rachis of the female inflorescence, bearing an even number of kernel rows (typically 4–30) arranged spirally around its surface. This axis consists of a central pith of parenchyma tissue surrounded by scattered vascular bundles embedded in a lignocellulosic matrix, with an outer rind providing mechanical protection.[11] In terms of detailed anatomy, the corncob measures approximately 10–20 cm in length and 2–5 cm in diameter, varying with environmental conditions and cultivar. It is composed of alternating nodes and short internodes, where nodes represent the points of kernel attachment, often referred to as cob nodes, facilitating nutrient distribution to developing ovaries. The overall structure is cylindrical and solid, with the surface featuring paired spikelets that develop into kernels, each supported by vascular connections from the cob.[11][12] At the microscopic level, the corncob exhibits a lignocellulosic matrix composed primarily of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which imparts rigidity and durability. Sclerenchyma cells, particularly concentrated in the outer woody ring and rind, provide mechanical strength through their thick, lignified walls. Vascular tissues, including xylem and phloem within scattered bundles, enable nutrient and water transport to kernels during ear development, while the central pith remains softer and more porous. These tissues are divided into distinct fractions: an outer chaff-like layer, a stiff woody ring, and a spongy pith core.[11] Variations in corncob size and shape occur across maize varieties, influenced by genetic and environmental factors. For instance, dent corn varieties typically produce larger, more robust cobs (up to 27 cm long and 5 cm in diameter) suited for high kernel yields, while sweet corn varieties yield smaller cobs due to immature harvest timing. Studies on multiple Zea mays cultivars show consistent anatomical portions—such as outer rind and inner pith—but with subtle differences in density and kernel row arrangement, reflecting breeding for specific uses.[11][12]Chemical Composition
The corncob, a lignocellulosic byproduct of maize processing, primarily consists of structural polymers that contribute to its rigidity and durability. Its biochemical makeup includes cellulose ranging from 33% to 43% of dry weight, hemicellulose from 26% to 36% (predominantly xylan), lignin from 17% to 21%, and extractives comprising 5% to 10%, which encompass waxes, proteins, and minerals.[13][2] These proportions can vary slightly based on maize variety, growing conditions, and analytical methods, but they establish the corncob as a carbohydrate-rich matrix with significant polyphenolic content.[14]| Component | Percentage (dry weight basis) | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|
| Cellulose | 33–43% | Structural strength |
| Hemicellulose | 26–36% (mainly xylan) | Flexibility and matrix filling |
| Lignin | 17–21% | Rigidity and water resistance |
| Extractives | 5–10% (waxes, proteins, minerals) | Surface protection and minor nutrients |