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.
What kind of corn kernels make popcorn?
Field Corn – the corn that is used to feed animals. Flint Corn – Also called Indian corn, used as a decoration. Popcorn – the only corn that pops There are several varieties of popcorn, including rice popcorn, pearl popcorn, red, black, rainbow, yellow, white, and blue.
Can I use any type of corn to make popcorn?
As it turns out, you cannot simply make popcorn from just any corn variety. Sweetcorn varieties do not have the right type of shell around each kernel to transform into popped corn. Additionally, the corn kernel as a whole needs the right amount of moisture.
What are the different types of popcorn kernels?
Types of Popcorn Kernel Colors
- Yellow Popcorn Kernels: The most common and least expensive popcorn variety.
- White Popcorn Kernels: Has a neutral, pure popcorn flavor.
- Red Popcorn Kernels: Pops white and a little smaller than the other varieties.
- Blue Popcorn Kernels: Pops similar to red variety.
What makes popcorn different from regular corn?
As it turns out, the corn that we typically eat is different than the kernels that become popcorn. Only one variety of maize will make it – Zea mays everta. Though it looks like a typical corn kernel, this particular variety is the only one that can pop and turn into a delicious snack.
Can sweet corn make popcorn?
Popcorn corn
You cannot make popcorn from fresh sweet corn. In order for popcorn to pop it needs a very strong hull, that allows pressure to be built up within. The hull of fresh sweet corn is not strong enough for that.
Will any dried corn pop?
If you remove the kernels from an ordinary ear of corn, dry them, then heat them in a microwave, will they pop? 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.
Can baby corn make popcorn?
No, baby corn can’t be popped for popcorn. Since baby corn is from corn that hasn’t fully grown, it’s impossible for it to pop as popcorn even if it’s dehydrated. You’ll need full grown corn to make popcorn.
Can you dry corn to make popcorn?
Shell a few ears and lay the kernels on a dehydrator tray. Dehydrate between 120-130°F, checking few hours until it’s popping well. To save space, shell your popcorn and place it in airtight containers. It will keep for several years.
Can humans eat field corn?
People don’t eat field corn directly from the field because it’s hard and certainly not sweet. Instead, field corn must go through a mill and be converted to food products and ingredients like corn syrup, corn flakes, yellow corn chips, corn starch or corn flour.
Why do popcorn kernels look different?
It’s roughly spherical, though the outer surface will develop fissures. Some varieties of corn do not expand evenly. Corn kernels actually have several lobes, as seen here. And when these lobes expand away from each other, you get butterfly popcorn.
What kind of 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.
What type of popcorn pops the best?
Orville Redenbacher brand popped left 10 kernels un-popped, Pop Secret left 14 kernels un-popped, and Wal-Mart brand left 23 kernels un-popped. In conclusion, the popcorn brand that popped the most popcorn is Orville Redenbacher compared to Pop Secret and Wal-Mart brand.
How is store bought popcorn so round?
In short, hotter oil makes round popcorn, while less hot oil makes the irregular chapes.
How do you turn corn into popcorn?
Put whole corn cob, or extracted kernels, into a medium-size paper bag. Fold the end of the bag over twice, and microwave on high heat until popping slows to between 2–3 seconds. Be careful of steam when you open the bag. Enjoy your popcorn on the cob!
Which is healthier corn or popcorn?
Sweet Corn a Higher Caloric Value Than Popcorn
Popcorn has a light, fluffy consistency which means it is often fewer calories than corn on the cob. For example, one cup of popcorn would be fifty-five calories while a single seven-inch ear of corn on the cob is 111 calories.
Can I plant popcorn kernels?
Planting Your Homegrown Popcorn
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).
Can I make popcorn with frozen corn?
Conclusion. You can make popcorn from frozen popcorn kernels, and if you’re lucky, your popcorn might even pop better than popcorn kernels stored at room temperature. You also have to be more patient as the frozen kernels take longer to pop.
How do you make homemade popcorn kernels?
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the oil and 2 popcorn kernels. Cover the pot and wait for the kernels to pop, which might take a few minutes. In the meantime, place a large serving bowl near the stove so it’s ready when you need it.
Does soaking popcorn make it pop better?
When you soak popcorn kernels in water, the seeds absorb extra moisture. This increased water content causes the kernels to pop slightly faster. The increased speed of popping is not significant when soaking kernels in water. It can and does cause some of the kernels to be fluffy.
Why won’t my popcorn kernels pop?
Popcorn kernels will not pop if they contain too little or too much water moisture inside the kernel. The popcorn kernels which do pop have 14-15% moisture in the hull and anything less or more will cause the popcorn kernel to not explode. You can test the moisture of your popcorn by using your fingernail.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.