Misër

Misër is the Albanian word for maize, the cereal plant Zea mays. It is a globally cultivated staple used for food and animal feed, and in Albanian-speaking regions misër refers to both fresh kernels (sweet corn) and dried kernels processed into various products.

Description and characteristics: Misër is an annual grass that typically grows 2–3 meters tall. It produces sturdy stalks, tassels, and ears with kernels arranged in rows inside a husk. Kernel colors vary by variety, including yellow, white, and occasionally red or blue. The plant uses C4 photosynthesis and requires warm temperatures, a frost-free period, and adequate moisture for optimal growth.

Cultivation and production: Maize is grown in temperate and subtropical climates around the world, including regions in Europe, the Americas, and Africa. In many temperate areas, misër is sown in spring after the risk of frost and harvested in late summer to autumn. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil and sufficient moisture. Pests and diseases, such as the corn borer or stalk rot, are managed through crop rotation, resistant varieties, and appropriate agronomic practices.

Uses and applications: Kernels can be consumed fresh as sweet corn or dried for processing. Dried misër kernels are milled into flour or meal for bread, porridge, or polenta-like dishes, and they can be pressed into oil or popped as popcorn. Misër also serves as a major source of livestock feed in many farming systems. The versatility of maize makes it a foundational crop in diverse culinary traditions.

Nutrition and classification: Maize provides carbohydrates and energy, with moderate amounts of protein, fiber, and certain vitamins and minerals. It is gluten-free and its nutritional profile varies with variety and processing.