The white soft corn is a grain that is grown mainly in the mountains of South America. Presents one or two ears implanted in the average length of stem. The ear has a length that varies between 8 and 15 cm and a diameter between 3 and 6 cm. The grains also are rich in starch, in some minerals and vitamins, although they contain a relatively moderate level of protein.
Traditionally it is used in food as grain parboiled (mote), flour (tamales) and the preparation of beverages (chicha). Industry is used as feedstock in the production of pastry snacks. Since the formation of the early cultures of the Americas, corn was developed with the purpose of food in the main form of flour, which also formed the basis for daily feeding.
The flour of this variety of corn demand for the preparation of bakery products, noodles and other food. In industrialized countries is consumed as a meal to prepare snacks for their quality and rich nutrition. Among the leading importers of this product we have in the United States, Germany and Japan.
The major producers of corn starch are located in the Andes of South America, Central America, Mexico and the United States.
In general, export volumes in the world market for corn starch are not large compared to the amounts negotiated in yellow corn. Small volumes are traded outside Peru, some countries in Central America, Mexico and the United States.
The white soft corn market has two relevant characteristics. On the one hand, prices show a slight sustained increase (for the period 1991-1995), and other, demand moves in the same direction. Given a slightly rising demand, prices vary according to fluctuations in supply. For corn starch Peru White quotes show two distinct periods:
The first to be submitted FOB prices relatively low between June and November because of the large volumes offered to the market, the second, which displays best prices between the months of December and May because of seasonal shortages of the product.
The main transformation experienced by the white starchy corn on the international market transactions consists primarily of grains used to produce flour for the manufacture of snacks.
Corn international transactions, whether in the form of grain or flour, are regulated by non-tariff measures, tariff and trade.
The former are referred to the control of the product fresh and include measures: plant as the presence of insects, microorganisms and fungi, and chemical concerning permissible levels of toxicity.
With regard to trade measures, we have that all exports must be subjected to international and national standards for classification, packaging and labeling as well as local rules of import and distribution. Given the extraordinary level reached by this crop domestication, it is possible to find many varieties, for example, in the mountains are: Great Imperial Cusco.
The period of greatest crop is located between April and July . In the rest of the year, although there are volumes are reduced.
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