Cornmeal

Cornmeal is made from dried corn kernels that have been ground into one of three textures: fine, medium or coarse. Fine is often called "corn flour," medium is the most commercially available, and coarse is also known as "polenta." Cornmeal is yellow, blue or white depending on the type of corn used. It lends a sweet, robust flavor to everything from pancakes and spoon bread to fried green tomatoes and of course, our Dog Treats.

     Health Benefits:
  Corn is a good source of many nutrients including thiamin (vitamin B1), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), folate, dietary fiber, vitamin C, phosphorous and manganese.

     History:
  Many Native American traditions, stories and ceremonies surround corn, one of the "three sisters" (maize, beans and squash). Even in New England there are many variations on how maize was brought or introduced to Native Americans here.

Generally in southern New England, maize is described as a gift of Cautantowwit, a deity associated with the southwestern direction; that kernels of maize and beans were delivered by the crow, or in other versions the black-bird. Responsible for bringing maize, the crow would not be harmed even for damaging the cornfield. Other Algonquian legends recount maize brought by a person sent from the Great Spirit as a gift of thanks.