Monday, November 13, 2023

What Corn is Used to Make Popcorn

Popcorn comes from a specific type of corn called Zea mays everta, which is a special variety of maize. Unlike the corn we typically eat off the cob or use in various food products, popcorn has a hard outer shell (pericarp) that surrounds the kernel. When the popcorn is heated, the moisture inside the kernel turns into steam, building up pressure until the kernel eventually pops, creating the fluffy, edible snack we know as popcorn. While there are different varieties of popcorn, they all belong to the Zea mays everta species.

popcorn maize" or "zea mays everta

The scientific name for the type of corn used to make popcorn (#ad) is indeed Zea mays everta. "Popcorn maize" is a common way to refer to this specific type of maize that is used for producing popcorn. So both terms essentially describe the same thing—the variety of corn specifically cultivated for its ability to pop when heated.

Nutritional value

The nutritional value of popcorn can vary based on how it's prepared (with or without added butter, salt, etc.).

Here is a general overview of the nutritional content of plain, air-popped popcorn per 100 grams:

Calories: Approximately 387 kcal
Protein: Around 12.9 grams
Carbohydrates: Roughly 78 grams
Dietary Fiber: About 15.5 grams
Sugars: Around 0.9 grams
Fat: Approximately 4.3 grams
Saturated Fat: About 0.6 grams
Monounsaturated Fat: Around 1.3 grams
Polyunsaturated Fat: Approximately 1.7 grams

Vitamins:
Thiamine (B1): About 0.1 mg
Riboflavin (B2): Approximately 0.04 mg
Niacin (B3): Around 1.1 mg
Folate (B9): About 6 micrograms
Pantothenic Acid (B5): Approximately 0.6 mg
Vitamin E: Around 0.9 mg
Vitamin B6 Approx 0.25 mg

Minerals
Iron: Approximately 2.7 mg
Magnesium: About 143 mg
Phosphorus: Approximately 358 mg
Potassium: Around 329 mg
Zinc: Approximately 2.7 mg
Calcium: About 9.8 mg
Manganese: Approx. 1.0 mg
Sodium: About 3.5 mg
Copper: 0.45 mg

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific type of popcorn, cooking methods (#ad), and any added toppings or seasonings. Additionally, commercial popcorn products may have different nutritional profiles based on added ingredients.

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