Few plants are grown more extensively or put to more diversified use than corn. It is becoming increasingly important as fodder, extending into cool temperate regions where summers are not normally sufficiently warm to mature the grain crop. Corn is a staple cereal for human food in Central and South America, and many parts of Africa. In the US and Europe it is used almost entirely for animal feeding, as grain or fodder. Corn is used as vegetable, as corn-on-the-cob, fresh, canned or frozen. Kernels may be cut from the cob and used in many ways, in succotash, custards, fritters, soups and chowders. They are also used in mixed pickles and vegetable relishes. Corn meal, grits, and hominy are prepared forms of corn kernels. Corn is also converted into various substances which have a wide range Of usage, as starch, syrup, cornstarch, dextrin, corn oil, zein, and in the making of whiskey and other alcoholic products. These substances are used in the printing, confectionery, condensced milk, tanning leather, plastics, food, brewing, soap, paint, and textile industries. Corn has been used as currency (in Peru).