| Field | Detail |
|---|
| Commercial Name | Purple Corn — Whole Kernel / Whole Cob |
| ELMNT Code | Mm·06.1 |
| Botanical Name | Zea mays L. (var. purple) |
| Plant Family | Poaceae |
| Geographic Origin | Andean Highlands · Lima · Junín · Arequipa · Peru |
| Cultivation Altitude | 2,500 – 3,800 m.a.s.l. |
| Plant Part Used | Whole cob (with or without corncob) · loose kernel |
| Processing Method | Sun-dried post-harvest · Cleaned · Sorted · No additives |
| HS Code (Reference) | 1005.90.40.00 ¹ |
¹ HS code provided for reference only. Importers must verify applicable tariff classification under their jurisdiction prior to shipment.
Peruvian Purple Corn (Zea mays L.) is a native Andean variety cultivated above 2,500 meters, distinguished by its deep purple to near-black coloration derived from an exceptionally high concentration of anthocyanins — primarily cyanidin-3-glucoside — in both the pericarp and the cob. It is one of the world's richest natural sources of anthocyanin pigments and has been a staple of Andean culinary tradition for millennia. The whole kernel and cob form is the base ingredient used in traditional beverage production (chicha morada), natural food coloring extraction, functional food applications, and artisanal brewing.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|
| Appearance | Whole dried cob or loose kernels · deep purple to near-black |
| Color | Deep purple · near-black · characteristic high anthocyanin pigmentation |
| Flavor | Mild · slightly starchy · characteristic corn · slightly sweet |
| Aroma | Characteristic dried corn · neutral · clean |
| Foreign Matter | Absent |
| Moisture (dried) | ≤ 14.0% |
| Parameter | Unit | Reference Range |
|---|
| Moisture | % | ≤ 14.0 |
| Crude Protein | % (dry basis) | 7.0 – 10.0 |
| Total Fat | % (dry basis) | 3.0 – 6.0 |
| Total Carbohydrates | % (dry basis) | 65.0 – 78.0 |
| Crude Fiber | % (dry basis) | 2.0 – 5.0 |
| Ash | % (dry basis) | ≤ 2.0 |
| Energy Value | kcal/100g | 340 – 370 |
Parameters based on international technical literature for Zea mays L. purple variety. Exact values certified per lot via COA available upon formal request.
| Compound | Unit | Reference Range |
|---|
| Total Anthocyanins | mg/100g db | 800 – 1,600 |
| Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) | mg/100g db | 400 – 900 |
| Total Polyphenols | mg GAE/100g db | 500 – 1,200 |
| Total Flavonoids | mg QE/100g db | 200 – 600 |
Total anthocyanin content varies significantly between kernel and cob fractions. The corncob (tusa) typically contains higher anthocyanin concentrations than the kernel pericarp. Values reflect whole cob/kernel composite. Exact values certified per lot via COA.
| Parameter | Unit | Limit |
|---|
| Total Plate Count | CFU/g | ≤ 100,000 |
| Total Coliforms | CFU/g | ≤ 100 |
| E. coli | CFU/g | ≤ 10 |
| Salmonella spp. | /25g | Absent |
| Yeast & Mold | CFU/g | ≤ 1,000 |
| Staphylococcus aureus | CFU/g | Absent |
| Aflatoxins (B1+B2+G1+G2) | µg/kg | ≤ 4.0 ² |
² Aflatoxin control is mandatory for all corn-based products. Limit aligned with EU Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 (maximum 4 µg/kg total aflatoxins for corn intended for direct human consumption). Aflatoxin testing per lot is required — declared via COA.
| Metal | Unit | Maximum Limit |
|---|
| Lead (Pb) | mg/kg | ≤ 0.10 |
| Cadmium (Cd) | mg/kg | ≤ 0.05 |
| Arsenic (As) | mg/kg | ≤ 0.10 |
| Mercury (Hg) | mg/kg | ≤ 0.02 |
Limits aligned with EU Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 and FDA guidance values.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Storage Temperature | ≤ 18°C (64°F) |
| Relative Humidity | ≤ 65% |
| Light Exposure | Avoid direct sunlight · Anthocyanins are photosensitive |
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, ventilated warehouse · Away from strong odors |
| Shelf Life (sealed) | 18 months from production date |
Anthocyanins are highly sensitive to light, heat, and oxidation — exposure degrades pigment intensity and bioactive content. Opaque packaging and strict humidity control are mandatory to prevent mold and aflatoxin development.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Primary Packaging (cob) | Woven polypropylene bag or corrugated export box |
| Primary Packaging (kernel) | Multi-layer kraft paper bag with inner PE liner |
| Net Weight per Unit | 25 kg / 50 kg |
| Units per Pallet | 40 bags (25 kg) |
| Pallet Dimensions | Standard pallet · 100 × 120 cm |
| Custom Packaging | Available upon request for volumes ≥ 1 FCL |
USDA NOP Organic◎ Upon Request
EU Organic (EC) 848/2018◎ Upon Request
Non-GMO◎ Upon Request
Kosher◎ Upon Request
Halal◎ Upon Request
Allergen Status◎ Upon Request
Full certification documentation available exclusively upon formal commercial request via trade@elmntglobal.com
EXW
FCA
FAS
FOB
CFR
CIF
CPT
CIP
DAP
DPU
Port of loading and destination terms confirmed upon formal inquiry. Available to all major international ports.
Certificate of Analysis (COA) — per lot
Phytosanitary Certificate — per shipment · SENASA Peru
Organic Certificates (NOP / EU Organic)
Certificate of Origin
Bill of Lading (BL)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
TDS — Extended Version
All documentation available exclusively upon formal commercial request via trade@elmntglobal.com
The specifications contained in this document are provided for reference purposes only and are based on established international technical literature for Plukenetia volubilis L. They do not constitute a guarantee of quality, specification warranty, or binding commercial offer. Actual parameters are certified on a per-lot basis via independent Certificate of Analysis (COA), available upon formal request. ELMNT Global USA LLC reserves the right to update specifications as new technical data becomes available. This document does not replace a formal purchase agreement or sales contract.