Kalibre's Cornucopia of Confusion Quiz

Answer: Clavus

A clavus, or corn, is a small, thick bump of skin that forms when one spot gets rubbed or pressed too much. They usually show up on the feet, like on the tops or sides of toes or under the ball of the foot. The skin builds up layers to protect itself, but that thick spot can press inward and cause pain, especially when walking or wearing tight shoes. Corns can be hard and dry, soft and moist (like the ones between toes), or even grow under a toenail.

If a corn gets deep, it can press on nerves or blood vessels and hurt a lot more. People with diabetes or poor blood flow need to be extra careful, because even a small corn can turn into a sore or infection. Most of the time, though, wearing shoes that fit better, using padding, or applying special creams can help ease the pressure and make the corn go away.

Answer: Douglas MacArthur

Douglas MacArthur was a famous American general in World War II, and one of the things that made him stand out was his corncob pipe. It became part of his trademark look, along with his military cap and sunglasses. He was often photographed with the pipe, and it gave him a bold, show-me image that fit the way he led troops in the Pacific. To make it more noticeable in pictures, he even had special versions made with an extra-large bowl. I couldn't believe the size of it when looking at photos!

The pipe itself was made from a real corn cob, a simple and inexpensive material, but MacArthur used it in a way that made it famous. He held it high and let it stick out as if it were a symbol of his authority. The Missouri Meerschaum Company made his pipes and customised them for him, and he owned several. Even today, the corncob pipe is closely linked to his memory, much like his cap and dark glasses.

Answer: Zea mays everta

Popcorn comes from a special kind of corn called Zea mays everta. It looks like regular corn; popcorn kernels are usually smaller, rounder, and harder than sweetcorn kernels, but their kernels have a tough outer shell and a soft, starchy centre. When you heat the kernels, the moisture inside turns to steam. That steam builds up pressure until the kernel bursts open, flipping inside out and turning into the fluffy snack we all know as popcorn.

Other types of corn, like sweet corn or field corn, don't pop because their shells aren't strong enough to trap steam. Only Zea mays everta has the right structure to explode like that. It's been grown for centuries just for popping, and it's still the only kind used to make popcorn today.

Answer: Grain import tariffs

The British Corn Laws were rules passed in 1815 that controlled how much tax was charged on grain brought into the country from abroad. These laws were designed to protect British farmers by making imported grain more expensive. That way, people would be more likely to buy locally grown grain, which would help landowners and farmers earn more money.

However, the Corn Laws made food prices higher for everyone else, especially poor and working-class families. Imported grain could have been cheaper, but the tariffs kept prices up. This led to protests and debates, and eventually the laws were repealed in 1846, by Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel, to make food more affordable and support free trade.

Answer: Corn plastic

Corn plastic is a real industrial product made from corn starch. Instead of using oil like regular plastic, manufacturers use sugars from corn to create a material called PLA (polylactic acid). This type of plastic can be shaped into things like cups, food containers, and packaging. It looks and feels like regular plastic, but it's made from plants, not fossil fuels.

One big benefit of corn plastic is that it's biodegradable under the right conditions. That means it can break down more easily than traditional plastic, which can stay in landfills for hundreds of years. However, it still needs special composting facilities to decompose properly, so it's not a perfect solution, but it's a step toward making everyday products more eco-friendly.

Answer: Facilitate pollination

Corn silk plays an important role in helping corn plants reproduce. Each strand of silk is connected to a single kernel on the cob, and its job is to catch pollen from the air. When pollen from the tassel (the top part of the corn plant) lands on the silk, it travels down the strand to fertilise the kernel. Without this process, the kernels wouldn't grow.

So even though corn silk looks like a tangle of messy threads, it's actually a key part of making sure the plant produces seeds. Every kernel you see on a cob started with a successful pollination through its silk. If the silk doesn't catch pollen, that kernel won't develop.

Answer: Straw

A corn dolly is a small, decorative figure traditionally made from straw. In Great Britain, people used leftover straw from the last harvest to weave these shapes by hand. They often looked like little people, animals, or braided patterns. The straw comes from the stalks of cereal crops, most commonly wheat, barley, oats, and rye, after the grain has been harvested. Making corn dollies was a way to honour the spirit of the harvest and show thanks for the crops.

In old farming traditions, it was believed that the spirit of the corn lived in the fields. When the crops were cut, the spirit needed a new home, so farmers made corn dollies to carry it safely through the winter. In spring, the dolly would be returned to the fields to bless the new planting. Today, they're mostly made for decoration, but they still carry a sense of history and meaning.

Answer: Cured with large grains of salt

The word 'corned' in corned beef doesn't have anything to do with corn the vegetable. It actually comes from an old word for small, hard grains, like pieces of salt. Corned beef is made by curing beef with large grains of salt, which helps preserve the meat and gives it a strong, salty flavour. This method was especially useful before refrigerators were invented.

During the curing process, the salt draws out moisture from the beef, making it last longer and changing its texture. Sometimes spices are added too, but the key ingredient is those chunky salt crystals. That's why it's called 'corned' beef, the name comes from the salt, not the cow or the corn plant.

Answer: Sweetcorn Fiesta

Sweetcorn Fiesta is a real corn-themed festival that celebrates everything about sweetcorn. It's held in Florida and features fun activities like corn-eating contests, games, live music, and plenty of food made with sweetcorn. Families come together to enjoy the harvest and learn more about how corn is grown and used.

The festival is also a way to support local farmers and bring the community together. People can buy fresh corn, watch cooking demos, and take part in traditions that go back generations. It's a mix of fun and farming, showing how important corn is to both the economy and everyday life.

Answer: Maizade

Tejuino, atole, and chicha are all real drinks made from corn, each with its own cultural roots. Tejuino is a traditional Mexican drink made from fermented corn dough, often served cold with lime and salt. Atole is also Mexican, but it's a warm, thick drink made from corn flour, water or milk, and flavoured with things like cinnamon or chocolate. Chicha comes from South America and is made by fermenting corn or other grains. It can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic depending on how it's prepared.

Maizade, on the other hand, is not a real corn-based drink. I just made the name up. It sounds like it could be related to maize (another word for corn), but it doesn't exist as a traditional or recognised beverage. The other three, tejuino, atole, and chicha, have long histories and are still enjoyed today in many parts of Latin America. They show how versatile corn is, not just as food but as a base for flavourful drinks.