Once the corn is harvested, it's taken to a gristmill where it's ground into a coarse, meal-like consistency. This process is similar to making flour, but the grind is much coarser, resulting in a texture that's more like cornmeal. It's kind of like the difference between sand and pebbles - both are small particles, but one is much finer than the other.
The grinding process is really where the magic happens, as it releases the natural oils and starches from the corn, giving grits their distinctive flavor and texture. It's a bit like when you grind coffee beans - the smell and flavor are released, and you're left with a delicious, aromatic powder. But instead of making coffee, you're making grits!