why does popcorn pop

May 15, 2009 by SemiCritic  
Filed under Food

It’s that sweet-smelling snack that makes movie-going such a delight. Popcorn is a type of corn grain that is removed from the cob. It is heated in a pan (or microwave) which sends those little hard kernels popping into fluffy flakes. But why does popcorn pop? The secret is the water contained inside each kernel. When heated, the moisture becomes steam and creates pressure within, which eventually leads to a pop!

But there must be certain conditions before popcorn kernels can successfully pop.
~ There must be enough water in the kernel (13 to 14 percent moisture).
~ The outer hull of the kernel must be very tough.
~ The outer hull must be free of cracks or holes.
~ The temperature must be over 300 degrees F.


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