Popcorn is a whole grain maize product -- it's grown extensively in the Corn Belt states of the U.S., where the majority of popcorn sold worldwide is grown. It resembles corn-on-the-cob in appearance and cultivation, although only popcorn kernels have the ability to pop.
Popcorn, like all six types of corn, is a cereal grain and originates from a wild grass. Its scientific name is Zea mays everta, and it is the only type of corn to actually pop.
Popcorn is made up of three main components: endosperm, germ and the pericarp (also known as hull or bran). The endosperm is made up of soft and hard starch granules. The endosperm is always white or yellow in color and is a carbohydrate. The function of the starch is to provide energy for the living part of the kernel, more commonly known as the "germ" or "embryo." The outer hull of the kernel is the pericarp, which is made of cellulose. The pericarp or hull is usually white or yellow in color, though the range of colors includes red, black and many colors in between.
Popcorn Facts
- Americans consume 16.5 billion quarts of popped popcorn annually, more than anyone else in the world. About 30 percent of that is eaten outside the home - in theaters, ballparks, schools, etc.
- One cup of popcorn provides 1.3 grams of dietary fiber.
- Popcorn has more protein, phosphorus and iron than potato chips, an ice cream cone, pretzels or soda crackers.
- Popcorn pops because heat builds steam pressure inside the seed.
- Archaeologists have found ears of popcorn in the Bat Caves of New Mexico nearly 5,600 years old.
- Most popcorn is grown in the US, but some is also grown in South Africa, Hungary, Spain, Greece, Yugoslavia, France, Italy, Israel, Australia, China and most South American countries.
- Europeans don't care for popcorn, but the Chinese love it.