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.

Is popcorn nutritious?

Absolutely! Popcorn is a good source of carbohydrate energy and fiber. For individuals of normal weight, carbohydrate is the best source of body fuel. Fiber is not used for energy but is an important health factor which is insufficient in most American diets. There are two kinds of fiber - soluble plays a role in regulating hunger, cholesterol and blood sugar, and insoluble is important in gastrointestinal health.

Popcorn has no artificial color or flavor additives and is surprisingly low in calories. One cup of popped popcorn has 31 calories if eaten plain or seasoned with herbs; 133 calories if drizzled with a tablespoon of butter, margarine, or oil; 34 calories if sprayed with butter-flavored oil; 35 calories if sprinkled with a butter substitute. Most Kernel Season's flavors have less than one calorie per serving.

Many medical groups feel popcorn has a nutritive value. Popcorn is a wholesome, fun food which aids digestion by providing necessary roughage. Health and medical associations regard popcorn as an excellent mealtime complement - sugar-free, fat-free, and low in calories. The National Cancer Institute (NCI), the federal governments cancer prevention agency, suggests fiber in the diet to reduce the risk of some forms of cancer. The agency currently distributes two booklets which name popcorn as a food American's should eat more of. Diet, Nutrition & Cancer Prevention: a guide to food choices, and Good News , cite popcorn for its fiber and low-fat content. The American Dental Association includes popcorn on its list of recommended sugar-free snacks. The American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association permit popcorn as a bread exchange on weight-control diets, the Feingold Diet for hyperactive children permits popcorn because it contains no artificial additives, and many USDA Extension Home Economists suggest popcorn as a satisfying family food that is kind to budgets and fun to make. The experts agree. Popcorn is an all-around "good" food - healthy, economical and tasty.