Popcorn, like all six types of corn, is a cereal grain and originates from a wild grass. Its scientific name is Zea mays everta, and it is the only type of corn to actually pop. Popcorn is made up of three main components: endosperm, germ and the pericarp (also known as hull or bran).
Farming Popping CornNew strains of popcorn are cultivated with specific factors in mind, such as: disease, how easy they are to grow, how sturdy the stalks are, weather damage, resistance to insects, etc. All hybrids are different, so specific hybrids are used for specific purposes. There is a specific hybrid for microwave popcorn, movie theater popcorn, caramel corn, etc. Once the corn varietal is selected, it’s planted in rows that intersect at 90-degree angles in rich soil. This allows for harvesting by a machine. Popping corn is dried for eight to twelve months, and taken to the factory for further processing.
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. 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.
There are two main methods to popping popcorn – the dry method and the wet method. The dry method uses dry heat to pop the kernels, such as a fire or an air-popper. The wet method uses oil to help distribute the heat, and results in a more even popping. This is the more popular method. Microwave popcorn, movie theater popcorn, and most other commercial poppers use this method. Kernels with the right amount of water will be fluffy and light. Kernels that have too much water inside will be dense and gummy. Un-popped kernels have most likely dried out.
How Popcorn Is Made | Regional Eats
FAQ
Is popcorn made from actual corn?
What are popcorn kernels made of?
What is the main ingredient in popcorn?
Is popcorn made from dent corn?
What are the components of a popcorn kernel?
The popcorn kernel consists of three components. These include the outer shell (known as the bran, hull, or pericarp), the endosperm and the germ. The endosperm is the middle layer and this is stores starchy water which feeds the germ (or seed embryo). The droplet of water contained in the kernel is the reason why popcorn can pop.
How many carbs are in popcorn?
One cup of air-popped popcorn has 6 grams of carbs, and 1 gram of fiber, for a total of 5 grams of net carb. Plain popcorn (without butter or sugar), is low in calories and low in glycemic index, so it can be a good snack for diabetics or for someone trying to lose wight.
What kind of Popcorn Pops?
Popcorn – the only corn that pops There are several varieties of popcorn, including rice popcorn, pearl popcorn, red, black, rainbow, yellow, white, and blue. These are known as gourmet specialty popcorn varieties. Some larger popcorn companies employ scientists who are constantly creating new strains and hybrids to improve popcorn’s “pop”.
Is popcorn a cereal?
Popcorn, like all six types of corn, is a cereal grain and originates from a wild grass. Its scientific name is Zea mays everta, and it is the only type of corn to actually pop. Popcorn is made up of three main components: endosperm, germ and the pericarp (also known as hull or bran). The endosperm is made up of soft and hard starch granules.