The Latin name for corn (maize) is *Zea mays*.

The Latin name for corn (maize) is *Zea mays*.
- Genus: *Zea* (formerly used in Greek and Latin to refer to a type of wheat or spelt)
- Species: *mays* (derived from the Amerindian term *mahis* via the Spanish *maíz*)
- Family: Poaceae (grasses)

Traditional creamy polenta

Serves 4:
• 250 g polenta cornmeal
• 1 liter water
• 1 tsp salt
• 30 g butter
• 60–80 g grated Parmesan cheese
• Pepper, to taste

Preparation:
1. Bring 1 liter of salted water to a boil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
2. Once boiling, pour in the polenta in a very fine stream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Reduce the heat and cook, stirring regularly:
- 5–8 minutes for precooked polenta;
- 30–45 minutes for traditional polenta.
4. When the polenta becomes very creamy and begins to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan, add the butter.
5. Remove from the heat, stir in the Parmesan, and mix vigorously.
6. Season with pepper and adjust the salt to taste.
LINA