Maize: More Than Just a Crop

source
‎It is an incredible thing to plant something with your own hands and watch it grow day by day. In my village, the crop that I love most or let me say I can't do without is maize (corn). It’s more than just a source of food for us, it’s a part of our seasons, our gatherings, and our stories.
‎

source
‎I can vividly recall my first time planting maize with my grandmother. She gave me a small woven basket filled with seeds, and we walked to the farm just after the early morning dew. “The farm is ready when it feels cool but not wet,” she told me. Put three to four seeds into the earth with care, as if planting a dream we hoped would come true.

source
‎Weeks later, the tiny green shoots began to appear, I was happy and at the same time shy that my maize was germinating. Soon, the stalks grew tall, swaying gently in the wind as if they were dancing to a song only they could hear. When harvest time came, the whole family went to the farm together.
‎
‎We didn’t just eat maize boiled or roasted; we turned it into pap for breakfast, mixed it with african fried ball cake(Akara) produce from beans, and sometimes ground it into flour for traditional cakes. My grandma sold some in the village's market, used the money to buy bread with Akara which we use for breakfast. Every bite carried the memory of early mornings, laughter, and teamwork.
‎

source
‎With maize, we all live a happy life and happy family.
‎
‎I’d love to hear from others, what crop holds a special place in your heart, and why? Let’s share our stories and celebrate the beauty of what we sow. Thank you
‎
I'll also love to mention @Imohmitch, @Samuelbrilliant, and @mr-peng