Definition of the word corn pone

The word "corn pone" is an American English term that originated from the southern coast of the United States during the colonial era. It is a type of flatbread made from cornmeal, water, and often some salt or other seasoning. The origins of the term "corn pone" are debated, but it is widely believed to have originated from the West African word "panu" or "ponu", which refers to a type of cake made from cornmeal or another type of flour. The enslaved African population in the Americas brought this cooking tradition with them, and "panu" or "ponu" adapted into the English "corn pone" as slave cooks produced flatbreads using their available resources. After the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, African American families continued to make and cultivate corn pones, passing down the tradition and contributing to its regional appeal. In the American South, corn pone has been a staple food item and a practical resource for impoverished communities for centuries. Its preparation is often subsistence-based, taking minimal resources to create an essential item for nutrition. It has also held cultural significance for African American communities, with debate over whether it originated as a meal for enslaved persons or as a communal cooking tradition shared across cultures. Today, the word "corn pone" is largely regional and is still popular in the Southern United States. While its often rustic character might seem outdated, it remains a cultural touchstone and a delicious part of a regional culinary legacy.