18 October, 2021
When we explore the origin of corn, we delve into the ancient culture of Costa Rica, which has used it in its cuisine for thousands of years. Thanks to this diverse usage, Costa Ricans and much of the Americas are known as the land of corn.
The origin of corn in Costa Rica is owed to indigenous communities such as the Bribri and Cabécar, who dedicated their lives to cultivating this crop. It is said that these communities were created by the god Sibú, who formed them from a corn seed. The different skin colors of the varieties relate to the various types of corn.
It is known that corn cultivation in Costa Rica began thousands of years ago. Evidence includes findings at Lake Arenal from 2000 B.C., where charred seeds and corn cobs were discovered. Additionally, pottery used in planting was found, indicating agricultural practices during that time.
Pollen has been found in the sediments of Lake Martínez in Guanacaste. These discoveries reaffirm the presence of corn in Costa Rica as far back as 3000 B.C. Throughout history, corn has been part of the Costa Rican diet, serving as a main ingredient for making atoles, tortillas, dishes with meat and corn, and the well-known chicha. Corn cultivation and consumption have expanded throughout the country, and many varieties are known.
