STREET FOOD REVIEW: GRILLED MAIZE CORN

Maize is a staple meal in Kenya. Most rural areas plant it as a food crop. They also sell it to generate some income. Roasted maize is one of the most popular snacks in Kenya. The corn is picked when it has become mature, so it’s a dry starch that is perfect for roasting over hot charcoal. As the maize roasts, some kernels pop while others blacken to a crunchy crisp.

As a village girl, maize harvesting was a festival that we all eagerly anticipated and roasted maize was our favourite snack. In urban centres, roasting maize is an income generating activity. So popular is the activity that local celebrities refer to it in their songs, as their audience can relate to the sweet taste of roasted maize with chilly lemon.

The current price of a fully roasted maize corn is Kshs 50 in most urban centres.  However, you can get a piece of the corn for as low as Kshs 10. The roasted maize is sold on busy streets in many local towns.

What to consider before buying roasted maize

We have had several outbreaks of cholera in the recent past. Considering the environment where you are buying your roasted maize is therefore very important.  Ensure you ask for the source and confirm for yourself before consuming your grilled corn and contracting dangerous diseases.

Always be willing to pay a little more. The young people engaging in roasting maize in the streets do it as a source of income. Over bargaining is wrong, the money they get is only for survival. Always remember the verse on giving, Luke 6:38 Give, and you will receive. Let us usher the weekend with a piece of roasted maize.