Aztec maize

One of the most colourful vegetables one can grow in a kitchen garden is ‘Aztec maize’; the original form of maize (or corn) used by the ancient Aztec cultures in making tortillas and tamales. Unlike sweet corn, maize is generally not eaten fresh, but ground into flour for cooking. Mixing this flour with lime (calcium carbonate) allows more of the protein and vitamins in the maize to be released (see Aztec cooking).

Aztec maize also makes a decorative gift from gardeners to cooks and friends; its hard kernels means it stores well in open air, making a pretty display in some unused corner of the kitchen, or as a centrepiece on the kitchen table.