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What is Popcorn?

There are five different types of corn, and of the varieties (sweet, dent, flint, pod, and popcorn), popcorn is the only corn that pops. Although popcorn has a scientific name, zea mays everta, no two kinds of popcorn are alike. Kernels range in color from off-white to light gold, to red, black and many colors in between.

Once popped, popcorn has two basic shapes: snowflake, which pops big and is shaped like a cumulus cloud; and mushroom, which pops into a round ball.

But just what is it about popcorn that makes it pop? The answer is water. The popcorn kernel's general composition is carbohydrate (principally starch), protein, fat and water. Water is stored in a small circle of soft starch in each kernel. As the kernel is heated, the water heats, builds up pressure and takes up any available room. The harder surface surrounding the starch resists the water pressure for as long as it can. When the outer surface gives way, the water further expands, causing popcorn to explode. The soft starch pops out, the kernel turns inside out, steam inside the kernel is released, and the corn pops.

Proper moisture level is the reason it's important to store popcorn properly. Use an airtight container and store popcorn in a cool cupboard. Stay away from storing popcorn in the refrigerator. Air inside a refrigerator contains very little moisture and can cause the popcorn to dry out.