Pop-ular Grain

     The familiar food pyramid includes whole grains as an important part of a healthy diet.  And there are many to choose from including wheat, rice, and corn.  But even as they are similar, they are also very different.  Consider for a moment 3 types of corn: sweet, field and a favorite of movie goers, popcorn.

     Ever wonder how it pops?  Each kernel contains a small amount of water inside a circle of soft starch.  When harvested, popcorn is dried so that it contains around 14% moisture, exactly the correct amount it needs to pop.  According to an article in the Fall issue of Henning's Real Food magazine:

     "The soft starch is surrounded by the kernel's hard outer surface, the hull, which has just the right thickness to allow it to burst open when enough pressure builds inside.  As the kernel heats up, the water expands, creates steam, and cooks the starch inside, turning it into a liquid mass.  Pressure builds inside and finally reaches a point that breaks the hull open.  The contents inflate and spill out, cooling immediately and forming the 'popcorn' shape we know." 



     That little bit of water inside is essential and without it the popcorn can't pop.  Because of that it is vital to store popcorn in an airtight container in a cool location to avoid moisture loss.

     In addition to being a healthy whole grain, popcorn is also gluten free and is low in calories.  The air popped variety contains only 31 calories per cup and when cooked in oil the number is only slightly higher at 55.  Popcorn provides complex carbohydrates and is a good source of fiber. 

      And you don't have to go to the movies to enjoy it!