Did You Know – Popcorn
Did you ever wonder if the kernels from corn they feed to cows or sweet corn will pop? Don’t bother trying because they won’t. A kernel of popcorn is different from other corn because popcorn kernels contains a water droplet inside a circle of soft starch then it is surrounded by the kernel’s hard outer surface.
Popcorn kernels need to maintain a certain level of moisture in order to pop. As the kernel heats up, the water expands, building pressure against the starch and hard surface.
Eventually, this outer layer gives way, causing the popcorn to explode, turning the kernel inside out and giving us a tasty treat.
Source: http://www.nal.usda.gov
Picture: http://www.Pixabay.com
http://www.InDianesKitchen.com
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Categories: Did You Know
I learn something new every day!
It has to help in our old age, oh wait I’m already there! Lol
says a lot about that old adage, that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks!
I had no idea! Thanks Diane
You’re welcome Sheree!
one question in life is answered by this -thanks!
You’re welcome Beth!
That’s a pretty cool tidbit about the kernel of water!
I agree but I like that when it explodes it turns inside out. Lol
And now I know!
Our brains are just a little bit bigger now. 🤣
Interesting! I didn’t know this.
It’s one of those facts we don’t think about, we just eat. Lol
Oooh…hot buttered popcorn, with real butter, not that greasy they give you at the movies, is sent from heaven.
And salt!
I did not know this, Diane. I always love your food trivia!
Thank you Kellye I enjoy writing this post as well.
I knew there needed to be a level of moisture maintained, but I didn’t know why. I also had never thought about the other types of corn kernels. Good information!
Thank you Linda!
I did wonder about that ! We eat popcorn at least once a week
The perfect snack for everyone.
You dashed my beliefs (though incorrect) about popcorn. BTW I found out you can burn popcorn in an airpoper just like a microwave.
Oh no! I have burnt a lot of popcorn in the microwave. Hitting that 30 second button to get every last kernel to pop. 🤦🏽♀️
I’m a popcorn devotee so this resonated! Hugs, C
Best snack ever! 💕
I love learning stuff! Popcorn. Who knew?
We take so much for granted and things like this fascinate me.
I love the stuff! And did you know the United States is the number one producer and consumer of popcorn in our big, beautiful world?
I didn’t know that! We live in the country and one year a farmer planted popcorn. After he cut it down I walked the side of the field and picked up a few cobs on the ground. It was such a great learning experience showing my grandkids where popcorn comes from and then popping it.
That would have been a ton of fun for grandkids and adults alike – lucky you!
You make me think way back now: When we were children, my brother and I used to make popcorn in my mother’s kitchen on a Saturday afternoon. And then there was always that one moment when my brother lifted the pot’s lid (yes, we still made it on the stove), which mad the popcorn “popped” high into the air! We always had a good laugh … while my mother stood in the doorway, hands on her hips 😄.
What a wonderful memory, thank you for sharing it!
That was interesting Diane – I did NOT know all those factoids about popcorn!
Thank you Linda!
Popcorn is fascinating, isn’t it? That’s quite a bit of explosive potential in each kernel, when you think about it – how something so small could explode into something so large. And delicious.
It really is and all my life I ate it not even knowing why it popped. Thank you!