Popcorn

Popcorn is a whole grain corn product. Like the other six varieties of corn, it 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 capable of popping. Corn is one of the oldest crops that exists. It emerged around the year 5000 BC. in central America. It is a plant that needs warm temperatures (above 20 degrees) and a great exposure to the sun for its correct development. It requires little humidity, but it is a very demanding crop in terms of the amount of water it needs. The fruit of this plant is the cob, which is harvested once a year in early autumn (September/October in the northern hemisphere and March/April in the southern hemisphere). Once the fruit has been shelled (it is done automatically), it is cleaned and dried; subsequently, the corn is peeled and softened by cooking or soaking, it is fried, and finally it is salted and flavored. The main popcorn growing centers are the United States and Argentina. Argentina is the second largest producer in the world and 95% of its harvest is destined for export. Almost all production is concentrated in the humid Pampa, between the provinces of Buenos Aires, south of Santa Fe and east of Córdoba. Popcorn is a cereal, and as such it has beneficial effects on health: it contains a high content of fiber, iron (more than spinach) and protein, and it is the lowest calorie snack. Popcorn is the star snack in movie theaters around the world, a custom that emerged in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century.

Popcorn is a whole kernel corn product. Like the other six varieties of corn, it 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 capable of popping. Corn is one of the oldest crops that exists. It emerged around the year 5000 BC. in central America. It is a plant that needs warm temperatures (above 20 degrees) and a great exposure to the sun for its correct development. It requires little humidity, but it is a very demanding crop in terms of the amount of water it needs. The fruit of this plant is the cob, which is harvested once a year in early autumn (September/October in the northern hemisphere and March/April in the southern hemisphere). Once the fruit has been shelled (it is done automatically), it is cleaned and dried; subsequently, the corn is peeled and softened by cooking or soaking, it is fried, and finally it is salted and flavored. The main popcorn growing centers are the United States and Argentina. In the United States, the producing states are in the north of the country: Nebraska is the main one, followed by Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. Popcorn is a cereal, and as such it has beneficial effects on health: it contains a high content of fiber, iron (more than spinach) and protein, and it is the lowest calorie snack. Popcorn is the star snack in movie theaters around the world, a custom that emerged in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century.