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Each kernel is made up of a plant embryo, a starchy endosperm that feeds the embryo, and a hard exterior called the bran or hull. And within each kernel is a small droplet of water – the key to its”pop”. As heat is applied to the dried kernels, the droplet of water converts to steam, and pressure begins to build.
Where does a popcorn kernel come from?
Popcorn comes from a certain variety of maize that produces small kernels with a hard outer shell. These kernels cannot be chewed without a good chance of cracking your tooth. To get to the fluffy edible part, you must heat the kernel, which turns the moisture within into steam.
How does corn become kernels?
As the plant grows, it begins to produce ears of corn, covered with a green husk. Feathery tassels form at the top of the plant and produce pollen, a yellowish powder. The ears form silks or long strands that “catch” pollen as the wind blows. This process is called pollination and allows the ears to produce kernels.
How is popcorn different from regular corn?
Field corn, the primary corn planted in the United States, is also known as “dent corn” because a dent forms in the top of the kernel as it begins to dry on the stalk. Popcorn is yet another variety of corn that has a hard, moisture-resistant hull that surrounds a dense pocket of starch that will pop when heated.
Is popcorn just dried corn?
Growing Popcorn Kernels Once the plant is fully mature, the corn is picked and fed through a combine, which removes the kernels from the cob. These kernels are then dried in a special container, which optimizes the moisture level for popping.
How is corn made into popcorn?
As heat is applied to the dried kernels, the droplet of water converts to steam, and pressure begins to build. Once the hull can no longer hold the pressure of the steam, the kernel explodes. The starch inside the kernel turns into the white fluffy, crunchy stuff we call popcorn.
Does anything else pop like popcorn?
Quinoa, sorghum, and amaranth are some of the most easily popped and puffed, but once you get those down pat, branch out and try other grains and seeds. They may not puff up as dramatically as corn or sorghum, but they’ll take on a nutty, toasted taste.
Can I plant popcorn kernels?
Planting Your Homegrown Popcorn Once you’ve located fertile seeds, you are ready to grow your own popcorn. Plant the seeds exactly the same as you would sweet corn (soak the kernels for 12 hours before planting, then set them 1 to 1-½ inches deep and 8 to 10 inches apart).
Do humans eat field corn?
People don’t eat field corn directly from the field because it’s hard and certainly not sweet. Instead, field corn must go through a mill and be converted to food products and ingredients like corn syrup, corn flakes, yellow corn chips, corn starch or corn flour.
What kind of corn is used for popcorn?
Some strains of corn (Zea mays) are cultivated specifically as popping corns. The Zea mays variety everta, a special kind of flint corn, is the most common of these.
Are popcorn kernels seeds?
Each kernel of corn is actually a seed that, like most seeds, contains an embryo (a baby plant) and a seed coat for protection. The sweet corn seed was easy to split, while the popcorn seed required more pressure. Both contain starch and water, though in different amounts due to how they’re grown and harvested.
Why does popcorn pop but not corn?
If the hull of the popcorn is imperfect or damaged, the water moisture within the popcorn kernel can escape through the hull going below the desired 14-15% moisture level and the popcorn kernel will remain un-popped even though it has been heated.
What is the white stuff on popcorn?
So what exactly is that white stuff? Well, as the moisture in the popcorn escapes, the starch inside expands and forms tiny bubbles, a lot like soap bubbles in a bubble bath. The hot steam causes this bubbly, foamy structure to set almost instantaneously. That’s the white cloud that forms a piece of popcorn.
Is popcorn a vegetable?
Whole corn, like you eat on the cob, is considered a vegetable. The corn kernel itself (where popcorn comes from) is considered a grain. To complicate things a little more, many grains including popcorn are considered to be a fruit. This is because they come from the seed or flower part of the plant.
Is popcorn a healthy snack?
When it’s air-popped and lightly seasoned, popcorn is an efficiently healthy snack. That’s because it is a whole grain, and high-fiber whole grains have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and other health problems.
Did the Aztecs invent popcorn?
Since popcorn comes from corn, specifically the zea mays everta variety, popcorn was never really “invented” by man, however there is evidence of popcorn all throughout the history of the Americas. Aztecs used popcorn for decorating clothes and ceremonial embellishments on top of eating!Nov 13, 2018.
Can I make popcorn from fresh corn?
You can make popcorn from fresh corn, however the corn must be completely dried out before it can be popped.
Can dogs have popcorn?
Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings is not safe for your dog on a regular basis, although eating a few dropped pieces here and there probably won’t hurt him. Learn more about human foods dogs can and can’t eat.
