Editor’s note: This article originally ran on AgWeb in May 2015. Recent cold, wet weather across the Midwest have prompted many farmers to ask about purple corn seedlings again this spring.

Missouri is one of the top producers of corn in the United States, and researchers are hoping to add to the varieties of corn grown at home, including purple corn. Purple corn, commonly known as maiz ...

Corn, specifically purple corn, is a superfood loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It could potentially help prevent obesity, diabetes, inflammation, and cancer.

Purple corn, commonly known as maiz morado, has more antioxidants than blueberries. Researchers at the University of Missouri are trying to grow a similar corn here in the United States.

Extracts from purple corn, for instance, could replace Red Dye 40, a petroleum-based synthetic dye found in many foods, including dairy products, sweets and beverages.

For the past four years, MU researchers have been changing the color of corn to see whether purple breeds can provide potential health benefits. Working with a dark purple South American variety ...

Purple corn also has potential as a natural food coloring, replacing the petroleum-based red dye that has been banned.

It is also an early-maturing corn variety – farmers can harvest within 60 to 62 days after planting, enabling them to sell their produce to the market sooner.