Popcorn is a whole grain made up of three components: the Germ, endosperm, and pericarp (or Hull). There are six different types of corn:
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| Most Common types of Corn. |
A Closer Look at the Composition of a Corn Kernel
The Pericarp is the outer covering that protects the kernel and preserves the nutrient value inside. It resists water and water vapor—and is undesirable to insects and microorganisms.
The Endosperm accounts for about 82 percent of the kernel’s dry weight and is the source of energy (starch) and protein for the germinating seed. Starch is the most widely used part of the kernel and is used as a starch in foods—or as the key component in fuel, sweeteners, bio plastics and other products.
The Germ is the only living part of the corn kernel. The germ contains the essential genetic information, enzymes, vitamins and minerals for the kernel to grow into a corn plant. About 25 percent of the germ is corn oil —the most valuable part of the kernel, which is high in polyunsaturated fats and has a mild taste.
The Tip Cap is the attachment point of the kernel to the cob, through which water and nutrients flow—and is the only area of the kernel not covered by the pericarp.
So why only Pop Corns Pop?
Popcorn differs from other types of corn is because its hull has just the right thickness to allow it to burst open.
Popcorn kernel contains water in it. Popcorn kernel needs 13.5 to 14% of moisture to pop.
(The left over unpoped kernel are too dry to pop).
How does it Pop?
When kernel heats up, the water expands and turns into steam at around 212 degrees changing the starch inside it into gelatinous substance and continues to heat about 347 degrees. The pressure inside the grain reaches 61.235 kilograms per square inch before bursting the hull.
Now, once it explodes the steam inside the kernel is release and the soft starch inside it becomes inflated and spills out forming into the odd shape. A single kernel can swell up to 40 to 50 times its original size.
It is not possible to predict the shapes of popcorn, the basic shapes are Butterfly, Snow Flake and Mushroom.
Facts
- Air-popped popcorn contains about 30 calories per cup.
- Lightly Buttered popcorn contains about 80 calories per cup.
- Oil-popped popcorn has 35 calories.
- Popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories.
- A Popcorn kernel can pop up to 3 Ft. High in Air.
The largest popcorn ball weighed 3,423 lb (1,552.64 kg) and was made by employees at The Popcorn Factory, Lake Forest, Illinois, USA on 29 September 2006 Good photos and video- www.guinnessworldrecords.com
Click here to know other world records of popcorn.
Credits:-A Closer Look at the Composition of a Corn Kernel information is from http://georgiacorngrowers.org/