Galician native maize variety: CARBALLEIRA (Zea Mays L.)

Native corn variety from the province of Pontevedra, open pollinated, grown by farmers in the area. The color of its grains, dark purple or black, is related to the presence of anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds beneficial to health.

Market need: The market demands plant varieties that are resistant to diseases, stresses, climate change, etc., as well as the recovery of native varieties that are being lost due to lack of use and maintenance. Furthermore, the conservation and improvement of plant varieties contributes to the maintenance of biodiversity.

Proposed solution: Carballeira is a native corn variety originating from the province of Pontevedra, under whose environmental conditions it has a semi-early cycle. It usually has a high frequency of dark purple or black grains. This characteristic is very important due to the relationship of this coloration with the presence of anthocyanins, which are antioxidant substances.
Tests have been carried out that indicate that this variety is especially suitable for making bread.

Competitive advantages

High content of anthocyanins, compounds beneficial for health.
Particularly suitable for bread making.
Cultivation in coastal or low altitude areas.
Visually attractive variety due to the dark color of its grains.