The oil contents of single kernels of corn can be determined by wideline nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Since this analytical procedure does not alter seed composition or viability, it could accelerate the development of crops having higher oil contents. A highly significant correlation was found between the oil contents of single kernels of corn and their progeny ears. This indicates that single-kernel differences in oil content are heritable. The importance of this development in terms of the increasing world-wide demand for polyunsaturated oils is discussed.