Popcorn Kernels

Popcorn is an age old snack that goes way back to ancient times. Popcorn kernels are actually seeds. Like other seeds, they are composed of an embryo which is found at the pointed tip and starch which is encased in a hard glossy shell. The starch on the inside holds both water and oil.

When heated up the water and oil within both create moisture which then gets turned into steam. Pressure builds up within and the hard shell explodes. This explosion causes the soft starch inside to expand and turn inside out. The end product is a fluffy white cloud of corn.

For many people, popcorn kernels are all the same. Of course, for those who take their popcorn seriously, this is not the case. Although all kernels are taken from corn or maize, there are many different varieties. As a matter of fact, certain types are bred mainly for popping.

Types of Popcorn Kernels

Although there are many different varieties of corn seeds, popped kernels are classified in just two varieties. The first major type of popcorn is known as butterfly popcorn. This type of popped kernel takes its name from the shape that it has once the kernel has popped. Also known as a snowflake, it has an irregular shape with a round top and protrusions in the bottom. These extensions resemble wings giving the popcorn a shape similar to a butterfly. A butterfly popcorn kernel is often light, making it softer.

Often described as having better texture in the mouth when eaten, it leaves fewer hulls once popped. This type of popcorn kernel is suitable both for air popping and oil popping. It is best used for on the spot popping and creating savory popcorn flavors such as butter, cheese and the like.

The second major type of popped popcorn kernel is known as mushroom popcorn. Similarly to the butterfly, it takes its name from the appearance it has once cooked. The kernels pop into a ball like shape that has little protrusions on the bottom. Its surface is not textured, unlike that of a butterfly, which is often smooth. Less people prefer the mouth feel of this type of kernel due to its texture.

Dense and compact this popcorn kernel is not as fragile as a butterfly popcorn kernel. Due to these characteristics it is best used for confections and sweet popcorn flavors. Also, the lack of protrusions makes the popcorn less likely to break.

Varieties of Popcorn Kernels

While there are only two types of popcorn kernels, there is a wide variety of popcorn seeds around. Many of the kernels are identified by their color, although they all become white once popped. The following is a rundown of the different varieties in the market.

• Yellow - perhaps the most popular of all types, yellow seeds are considered traditional seeds. These produce the biggest popcorn kernels when cooked.
• White - next in line in terms of popularity, white popcorn seeds are medium in size and carry a mild corn flavor. The main difference between white and yellow popcorn is size.
• Red - these are small seeds with a mild to deep maroon color. Despite the small size, they produce relatively large popcorn.
• Blue - carrying colors from a powdery grey to deep blue, these popcorn kernels produce medium to large flakes with fewer hulls.
• Brown - included in the wide range of colors, these kernels are similar in color to unrefined sugar. This is a rather unique variety not as widely available as others.
• Purple - a kernel with a slightly dark color between red and blue. It has small tender seeds which produce small sized popcorn that are flavorful.
• Black - a variety of blue corn from earlier times, black seeds have a very dark color. It produces crunchy medium sized popcorn.
• Baby Rice - this is a special popcorn kernel variety that is smaller in size than the usual kernel. This comes up with small tender kernels that are flavorful.
• Hulless - although the name implies that such popcorn kernels have no hulls, it is not the case. This is simply a type of seed which a softer hull that breaks more finely leaving less remnants when cooked.

Varieties of Popcorn Kernels