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Technically, yes, you can eat Indian corn. But unlike sweet corn, which has sugary, soft kernels, Indian corn is allowed to mature until the kernels are more starch than sugar. The kernels are pretty tough, hard, and not particularly appetizing (although we've read you can pop them? Anyone tried this?) Some varieties are ground for use in tortillas.

But most Indian corn is grown for decoration, a role it plays quite nicely. All those deep blue, orange, magenta, and gold shades would look lovely on a Thanksgiving table. Or, skip buying flowers and stand a few cobs up in a vase. Most of the ones we saw at the market were around $1 each.

Related: What Should We Make with this Blue Cornmeal?

(Images: Elizabeth Passarella)