Pearl glutinous corn

Pearl glutinous corn

　　Pearl glutinous corn has a long production history in Luocheng. It is mainly grown in the valley areas of Tianhe and Xiali in Luocheng, where the mountainous land is fertile, the climate is mild, and rainfall is abundant. The planting area exceeds 4,000 mu, with a yield of over 700 tons. Its production is quite limited, making it a rare and unique mutated variety native to China. Its grains are small, uniform, and as white as pearls.

　　Pearl glutinous corn is characterized by its small grain size and strong stickiness. When cooked into porridge, it becomes soft, smooth, sweet, and delicious. It contains a high level of branched starch, rich protein, 17 types of amino acids, dietary fiber, and seven anti-aging trace elements. Experts have confirmed that every 100 grams of this corn contains 300 milligrams of calcium — equivalent to the calcium content in the same amount of dairy products — making it an essential nutritional food for people.

　　Among all corn varieties, pearl glutinous corn has higher nutritional value than ordinary corn. Its protein, vegetable oil, branched starch, and vitamin content are twice as high as those of regular corn, while its “life element” selenium content is 8–10 times higher. Not only does it contain high levels of 17 types of amino acids, but it also includes seven “anti-aging agents” such as vitamin E and fats. Tests show that every 100 grams of this corn can provide nearly 300 milligrams of calcium, almost comparable to the calcium content in dairy products. The abundant calcium can help lower blood pressure. Consuming just 1 gram of calcium per day can reduce blood pressure by 9% after six weeks. Additionally, the beta-carotene in corn is converted into vitamin A in the human body, which has anti-cancer properties. Plant fiber helps accelerate the excretion of carcinogens and other toxins, while natural vitamin E promotes cell regeneration, delays aging, lowers serum cholesterol, prevents skin conditions, and reduces arteriosclerosis and cognitive decline. Researchers point out that pearl glutinous corn contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which can combat eye aging. Moreover, eating more corn-based foods can reduce the side effects of anti-cancer drugs on the human body, stimulate brain cells, enhance mental capacity and memory, and serve as an excellent natural green food for skin care, beauty, and anti-aging.

　　Pearl glutinous corn is produced in Tianhe Town, Luocheng Mulao Autonomous County, Guangxi. Among these, the corn planted in Huazhang, Gubang, and Jiaquan — three villages situated in the high mountains — is cultivated using traditional pollution-free methods, without any pesticides. The crops grow in the pollution-free environment of the rocky mountainous region, where the land is fertile, the climate is mild, and rainfall is ample. Due to the innate geographical advantages and the natural environment of the rocky mountains, pearl glutinous corn boasts premium natural quality. Among the Mulao and Zhuang ethnic groups in Luocheng, it is hailed as: “More precious than pearls, a renowned delicacy of Guangxi; surpassing imperial rice, a five-star gourmet dish.” The famous “Tianhe Pearl Corn Porridge,” made from Tianhe corn kernels, is smooth on the palate and delicious in taste. It offers heat-clearing and detoxifying benefits, helps prevent cell aging, and has anti-cancer properties. Many local centenarians have long relied on their homegrown corn porridge as a staple food.