Popcorn, also known as popping corn, is a
type of corn (maize, Zea mays var. everta) that expands from the kernel
and puffs up when heated. Popcorn is able to pop because, like amaranth grain, sorghum,
quinoa, and millet, its kernels have a hard moisture-sealed hull and a dense starchy
interior. When heated, pressure builds within the kernel, and a small explosion
(or "pop") is the end result. Some strains of corn are now cultivated
specifically as popping corns.
There are various techniques for popping corn. Along with prepackaged popcorn, which is generally intended to be prepared in a microwave oven, there are small home appliances for popping corn. These methods require the use of minimally processed popping corn.
A larger-scale, commercial popcorn machine was invented by Charles Cretors in the late 19th century.
Unpopped popcorn is considered nonperishable and will last indefinitely if stored in ideal conditions.
Depending on how it is prepared and cooked, some consider popcorn to be a health food, while others caution against it for a variety of reasons. Popcorn can also have non-food applications, ranging from holiday decorations to packaging materials.
Corn was first domesticated inMexico
During the Great Depression, popcorn was fairly inexpensive at 5–10 cents a bag and became popular. Thus, while other businesses failed, the popcorn business thrived and became a source of income for many struggling farmers, including the Reddenbacher family, namesake of the famous popcorn brand. During World War II, sugar rations diminished candy production, and Americans compensated by eating three times as much popcorn as they had before.
At least six localities (all in the Midwestern United States) claim to be the "Popcorn Capital of the World;":Ridgway , Illinois ;
Valparaiso , Indiana ;
Van Buren , Indiana ;
Schaller , Iowa ;
Marion , Ohio ;
and North Loup , Nebraska Nebraska and Indiana ,
with increasing area in Texas
As the result of an elementary school project, popcorn became the official state snack food ofIllinois
January 19 is National Popcorn Day in theUnited States
Popcorn balls (popped kernels stuck together with a sugary "glue") were hugely popular around the turn of the 20th century, but their popularity has since waned. Popcorn balls are still served in some places as a traditional Halloween treat. Cracker Jack is a popular, commercially produced candy that consists of peanuts mixed in with caramel-covered popcorn. Kettle corn is a variation of normal popcorn, cooked with white sugar and salt, traditionally in a large copper kettle. Once reserved for specialty shops and county fairs, kettle corn has recently become popular, especially in the microwave popcorn market. The popcorn maker is a relatively new home appliance, and its popularity is increasing because it offers the opportunity to add flavours of the consumer's own choice and to choose healthy-eating popcorn styles.
Some popular brands of popcorn in the United States are Orville Redenbacher's, Act II, Jiffy Pop (all three of which are brands of the ConAgra Foods conglomerate), Pop Secret, Candy Land Gourmet, Jolly Time, Aussie Crunch, Newman's Own, Dale and Thomas and Pop Weaver.
There are various techniques for popping corn. Along with prepackaged popcorn, which is generally intended to be prepared in a microwave oven, there are small home appliances for popping corn. These methods require the use of minimally processed popping corn.
A larger-scale, commercial popcorn machine was invented by Charles Cretors in the late 19th century.
Unpopped popcorn is considered nonperishable and will last indefinitely if stored in ideal conditions.
Depending on how it is prepared and cooked, some consider popcorn to be a health food, while others caution against it for a variety of reasons. Popcorn can also have non-food applications, ranging from holiday decorations to packaging materials.
History
Corn was first domesticated in
During the Great Depression, popcorn was fairly inexpensive at 5–10 cents a bag and became popular. Thus, while other businesses failed, the popcorn business thrived and became a source of income for many struggling farmers, including the Reddenbacher family, namesake of the famous popcorn brand. During World War II, sugar rations diminished candy production, and Americans compensated by eating three times as much popcorn as they had before.
At least six localities (all in the Midwestern United States) claim to be the "Popcorn Capital of the World;":
As the result of an elementary school project, popcorn became the official state snack food of
January 19 is National Popcorn Day in the
Jargon for Differences in
Popcorn
In popcorn
jargon, a popped kernel of corn is known as a "flake." Two shapes of
flakes are commercially important. "Butterfly" or
"snowflake" flakes are irregular in shape and have a number of
protruding "wings". "Mushroom" flakes are largely
ball-shaped, with few wings. Butterfly flakes are regarded as having better mouthfeel,
with greater tenderness and less noticeable hulls. Mushroom flakes are less
fragile than butterfly flakes and are therefore often used for packaged popcorn
or confectionery, such as caramel corn. The kernels from a single cob of
popcorn may form both butterfly and mushroom flakes; hybrids that produce 100%
butterfly flakes or 100% mushroom flakes exist, the latter developed only as
recently as 1998. Growing conditions and popping environment can also affect
the butterfly-to-mushroom ratio.
Mushroom and Butterfly popcorn https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mushroom_and_butterfly_popcorn.jpg#/media/File:Mushroom_and_butterfly_popcorn.jpg
Consumption in the USA
Popcorn balls (popped kernels stuck together with a sugary "glue") were hugely popular around the turn of the 20th century, but their popularity has since waned. Popcorn balls are still served in some places as a traditional Halloween treat. Cracker Jack is a popular, commercially produced candy that consists of peanuts mixed in with caramel-covered popcorn. Kettle corn is a variation of normal popcorn, cooked with white sugar and salt, traditionally in a large copper kettle. Once reserved for specialty shops and county fairs, kettle corn has recently become popular, especially in the microwave popcorn market. The popcorn maker is a relatively new home appliance, and its popularity is increasing because it offers the opportunity to add flavours of the consumer's own choice and to choose healthy-eating popcorn styles.
Some popular brands of popcorn in the United States are Orville Redenbacher's, Act II, Jiffy Pop (all three of which are brands of the ConAgra Foods conglomerate), Pop Secret, Candy Land Gourmet, Jolly Time, Aussie Crunch, Newman's Own, Dale and Thomas and Pop Weaver.
The world's
largest popcorn ball was unveiled in October 2006 in Lake Forest , Illinois
No comments:
Post a Comment