Amarillo Angosto Maize

Traditionally cultivated in the Argentine province of Misiones by the indigenous Guarani community, amarillo angosto or narrow yellow maize is an early-flowering variety of maize that comes from the Zea mays family. It has long represented an important source of food for these indigenous people, who have also been using the planting seed as a trading commodity among themselves.

The ear of the corn is narrow, long, and cylindrical, and there are typically ten rows of narrow-shaped, floury, and light yellow kernels arranged on it. Although the pure form of this maize variety can be found only in its area of origin, amarillo angosto (locally known as avati mitá i) has also spread to other surrounding areas.

Unfortunately, the cultivation of commercial corn and its derivatives are nowadays threatening the existence of various native maize varieties, including amarillo angosto.