A corncob, also called corn cob or cob of corn, is the hard core of an ear of maize, bearing the kernels, made up of the chaff, woody ring, and pith.
[1] However, during several instances of famine (especially in European countries throughout history), people have been known to eat the corncobs, especially the foamy middle part.
It served as a sort of peculiar "filler", to extend the quantity of the original flour and as such, it was used even in production of bread.
[citation needed] The cob is not toxic to humans and can be digested, but the outside is rough and practically inedible in its original form.
The foamy part has a peculiar texture when mature and is completely bland, which most people would find unappealing, due to the consistency similar to foam plastic.