How Popcorn Pops

 

How Popcorn Pops - The Wet Truth

Although popcorn kernels may look totally dry, each kernel of popcorn actually has a tiny amount of water inside it. This water is stored inside a circle of soft starch inside the kernel's hard outer surface. As the kernel heats up, the water's molecules start to move faster and get farther away from each other; this molecular expansion is the same reason water turns into steam when you boil it. As the water expands it puts pressure against the hard starch. Something's gotta give - so eventually the water pressure wins out and the popcorn ruptures. The soft starch inside becomes inflated and bursts, flipping the kernel inside out to release the steam inside! Mmmm, popcorn!

Did U Know?

• Don't freeze popcorn or keep it in the fridge. This dries out your kernels and without moisture there won't be any poppin'.