Is popcorn just dry corn?

It resembles corn-on-the-cob in appearance and cultivation, although only popcorn kernels have the ability to pop. 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.

What is the difference between dried corn and popcorn?

Another physical difference between the two types of corn is not only the texture, edibility, and taste of the kernels but the shape of the kernels as well. Sweet corn usually has round or even rectangular kernels that are soft and squishy. Popcorn kernels are never rectangular and are always very round in shape.

How are popcorn kernels different from corn?

Unlike regular corn, the hull of a popcorn kernel is non-porous and traps steam when heated. When the steam creates enough pressure, the kernel explodes.

What are popcorn kernels made of?

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.

Do all dried corn kernels pop?

Nope. The corn at your local grocery is called sweet corn, and it won’t pop. Neither will field corn, the type used in foods such as tortilla chips. Only the kernels from popcorn cobs will pop.

What are popcorn kernels?

Are kernels of corn 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.

Is popcorn really corn?

Popcorn is actually a special variety of corn, and it is the only one that pops. The key to popcorn is the unique design of its kernels. Most importantly, its kernel consists of a very hard, mostly nonporous outer shell called pericarp.

How is fresh corn made into popcorn kernels?

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.

What kind of corn is used to make popcorn?

flint corn
Zea mays everta Some strains of corn (taxonomized as 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. Popcorn is one of six major types of corn, which includes dent corn, flint corn, pod corn, flour corn, and sweet corn.

What is popcorn kernels made of?

How are corn kernels dried?

Once the plant is fully mature, the corn is picked and fed through a combine, removing the cob’s kernels. These kernels are dried in a special container, optimizing the moisture level for popping. The kernel needs to maintain around a 14% moisture level to pop.