Why Onions Make Us Cry...and Other Food Mysteries Solved

8/15 Previous Next

© Getty Images / E+ / FotografiaBasica

Why does popcorn pop?

Have you ever accidentally bitten into a hard, unpopped corn kernel? Then you know how unpleasant it is in taste and texture (it's hard enough to crack a tooth!). But when cooked, those unappetizing kernels transform into a wonderfully crunchy, light and airy snack that humans have been eating for thousands of years. So what makes them pop? Science, of course! Corn kernels contain a small quantity of water inside the outer shell (known as the hull) along with soft starch. When the kernels are heated, the water droplets expand into steam that pushes against the hull from the inside. Eventually, the outer shell explodes, and the soft starch on the inside bursts free, transforming into its recognizable snowflake-like shape. 

While there are countless store-bought varieties of popcorn to choose from, the healthiest and most customizable option will always be organic unpopped corn kernels that you can easily cook on the stove. Sprinkled with your favorite seasonings and toppings, it's worth the extra effort!