Hunger is problem of us all and whenever it appears we desperately need something to eat. If ready to cook or already cooked food is available it really helps in this situation. Popcorns are also such type of cooked or ready to cook food that are almost always there to help us when we are hungry. Corn grams are cooked or put in oven for some time in a particular temperature and they convert into white small flower like popcorns.
1. Scientific name
Scientific name of popcorn is zea mays everta. It is also observed that popcorn is the only corn that explodes.
2. History of popcorn
History of popcorn is as old as the human being itself is. It is believed that Native Americans were the first who introduced popcorns at the event of thanks giving.
3. Spirituality related to popcorn
It is very interesting that Native Americans believed that in every kernel of corn there lives a spirit and they don’t bother humans generally. But, if their home (corn) is disturbed they would get angrier and eventually they would burst out with fury…which would pop the corn.
4. Its introduction to the Europeans
Christopher Columbus was the first who, in 15th century, introduced popcorns to the Europeans.
5. Inventor of popcorn machine
Charles Creters was the person who invented the first popcorn machine in 1885. Still his company makes popcorn machines and other equipment related to this.
6. Popcorns in cinema
Today, in every cinema you would find a person with popcorn machine and a crowd around him before the show starts. Popcorn industry is making huge profit today specially in cinemas.
7. How does a corn explodes
Each kernel of the corn contains some amount of moisture, as the corn is heated the moisture turns into the steam and eventually corn explodes.
8. Moisture content
Normally and ideally the moisture content should be around 13 to 14 percent to help the corn or the kernel explode or pop.
9. Healthy food
Popcorns are said to be the healthy food because they help us when we are hungry by providing our body the least calories. They provide us fiber, sodium and sugar and are fat free.
10. Major producer
Nebraska State of United States of America is the largest producer of popcorn. By this production they earn about 250 million pounds in a year.