Heirloom corn in a rainbow of colors makes a comeback in Mexico, where white corn has long been king

By FABIOLA SÁNCHEZ
Associated Press

IXTENCO, Mexico (AP) — Small farmers in Mexico struggling to preserve colorful native corn varieties are finding new hope in the market. They cite the growing number of consumers seeking organic produce from small-scale producers. They also see interest from chefs worldwide who want to provide an authentic take on tortillas, tostadas and other corn-based pillars of Mexican food. Heirloom varieties make up far less than 1% of total domestic corn production in Mexico. But for the first time in years, those growing the native corn in its rainbow of colors are optimistic about its future. Converts abroad say they can taste the difference in tortillas made from the heirloom corn. Programs in Mexico teach farmers about native corn growth and hope to spread its production.