A favorite food of millions of people worldwide is popcorn. Do you know what kind of maize is used to make this crunchy delight, though? The answer is straightforward: Zea mays everta maize kernels, a particular variety of corn, are used to make popcorn.
Popcorn kernels, unlike other varieties of corn like sweet corn or field corn, have a tough, moisture-resistant outer shell that enables them to split open when heated. The distinctive texture and shape of popcorn are due to this special quality.
The typical moisture content at which popcorn kernels are collected is 14%. The moisture level is then further reduced to between 10 and 11% by further drying. This is crucial because too-moist popcorn kernels won’t pop correctly, while too-dry ones risk burning.
There are several suggestions to bear in mind when preparing popcorn at home. First off, it’s better to eat homemade popcorn soon after it’s cooked. It can last longer, but as time passes, the texture and flavor will change. It is advised to use an oil with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, such as canola or grapeseed oil, in a popcorn maker. These oils can survive the high heat of the popcorn maker without burning and won’t add any undesirable flavors to the popcorn. It is recommended to keep popcorn in an airtight bag or container while storing it. Depending on the humidity and temperature of the storage space, popcorn kept in a plastic bag can last for a few days to a few weeks.
Finally, while being a favorite snack around the world, popcorn is frequently connected with the United States since it has long been a favorite there. Charles Cretors created the first industrial popcorn machine in the late 1800s, and ever since then, popcorn has become a mainstay at carnivals, athletic events, and movie theaters all over the country.
In conclusion, Zea mays everta, a particular variety of corn, is used to make popcorn. It’s ideal to consume homemade popcorn within a couple of days, and neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point is advised for popping. Although it is consumed all over the world, popcorn is frequently connected to the United States even though it can last for a few days to a few weeks depending on storage conditions.