What kind of corn is popcorn?

Popcorn is a type of flint corn, but has its own size, shape, starch level and moisture content. It has a hard exterior shell and a soft starchy center. When heated, the natural moisture inside the kernel turns to steam and builds up enough pressure to eventually explode.

What kind of corn is used for popcorn?

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.

Is popcorn the same as normal corn?

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).

How does corn turn 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.

Can you grow popcorn kernels?

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).

Field Corn vs Sweet Corn vs Popcorn

Do humans eat field corn?

People may pick ears of field corn when its sugar content has peaked and cook it on the cob or eat it raw. Ears of field corn picked and consumed in this manner are commonly called "roasting ears" due to the most commonly used method of cooking them.

Can you turn canned corn into popcorn?

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.

Can you make popcorn from corn on the cob?

You can make popcorn from a cob, but only if the cob is specifically a popcorn cob (sweetcorn and other varieties won't pop). It's relatively easy to make popcorn from corn cob, and it can be done using a stove or microwave. You can purchase popcorn cobs from a local farmers' market, Amazon, or you can grow your own.

Can fresh corn be used for popcorn?

You can make popcorn from fresh corn, however the corn must be completely dried out before it can be popped. It should be done carefully with a few steps that we must follow. The fresh corn can either remain on the cob, or it can be cut off the corncob.

Why is popcorn healthier than corn?

A cup of yellow or white corn kernels of the kind we eat has only about 85 calories partly due to their much higher moisture content. Not only is popcorn low in calories, it's really good for you. Three cups of air-popped popcorn has 4 grams of fiber but less than 100 calories.

Can white corn be used for popcorn?

Popcorn is one of the most popular snacks; thus, you have eaten it several times. But, have you ever wondered which type of corn kernels is used to make popcorn? White and yellow kernels can be used to produce popcorn, but there are a few different features between them that you surely want to know.

How do you pick corn for popcorn?

When choosing popcorn, look for kernels that are as fresh as possible, and those that can be stored in a way that will help preserve freshness longer. Additionally, consider trying to find hull-less varieties that can be easier on the teeth.

How do you grow popcorn kernels?

Plant seeds one inch deep in heavier soils, and up to two inches deep in sandy soil. Space the seeds about 8 inches apart. Plant in at least four rows, with 18 to 24 inches between rows. Popcorn germination takes longer than sweet corn, and most varieties require 90 to 120 days to reach full maturity.

Where do popcorn kernels 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.

Can you pop Indian corn?

Can Indian corn be popped? Yes, you can pop the individual kernels of Indian corn and eat it as popcorn.

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.

Can I eat deer corn?

Introduction: How to Eat Deer Corn

Corn is an essential survival food because of its high carbohydrate content, nutritional value, and is easy to store. It is considered a vegetable when it is harvested fresh; what you, I and most humans eat.

Can you boil and eat field corn?

Fresh Field Corn

You can also eat field corn just like you eat sweet corn, boiled or roasted and slathered with butter and salt. Although roasting ears are not sweet and are sometimes less tender, some people actually prefer the flavor of field corn.

Can I grow popcorn from store bought?

No, you can't open a bag of popcorn from the grocery store and plant it. Most store bought popcorn isn't fertile because of the heating and sterilization processes it undergoes. You'll need to buy fertile popcorn from your local garden center and there are plenty to choose from on the internet.

How are popcorn kernels harvested?

Leave corn drying on the stalks as long as possible, allowing the kernels to dry down naturally on the ear. Harvest and husk the popcorn and allow the ears to cure further in a dry and well ventilated location. Drying time can vary from one week to several weeks or more, depending on weather conditions.

Is glass gem corn popcorn?

Glass Gem is predominantly a popcorn (a subcategory of flint corn) and can be ground into cornmeal for use in dishes such as polenta or grits, or popped. This variety was selected for its majestic beauty and colors. However, it does have good corn flavor.

What popcorn kernels do movie theaters use?

Most people and places use the traditional yellow kernel. This is also known as butterfly popcorn because it has “wings” after it pops.

Which is better white or yellow popping corn?

The Different Types of Popcorn

Simply put, white popcorn has a more tender texture than yellow. This is because it pops into smaller, more fine bright white shapes. Conversely, yellow popcorn tends to produce a much larger and sturdier form than white corn, and the popped kernels hold a yellowish tint to them.