Maiz

Today's hike ended in the mountain village of La Neveria, where a guide showed us these different varieties of corn and explained their various uses and how and where they are grown. Most of the agricultural area in this part of Mexico consists of relatively small plots where farmers raise corn, squash, and beans, mainly for their own use. 
Fresh corn on the cob, called elote is boiled, drenched with crema, lime, and hot spices, and is sold as a very popular street food. This dried corn, which is used for making tamales, tortillas, and other purposes, is called maiz. 
These farmers have been growing corn in these mountain microclimates for hundreds of years and understand very well what is necessary to sustain their lifestyles. They are fighting the encroachment of Monsanto.