Categories: More About Popcorn

Is Popcorn Really Corn?

Sure, it’s called popcorn. But is it actually corn? Popcorn and corn on the cob are both great in their own way, but you have to admit they seem pretty different from each other. So if you’ve ever been unsure whether popcorn and “regular” corn are actually related but were too embarrassed to ask, we’re here for you! Today we’ll explain where popcorn comes from and how it’s related to “regular” corn, hopefully without getting too deep into the scientific stuff!

Popcorn and Other Types of Corn Compared

So, first off: Yes, popcorn is “really” corn. What you need to understand is that there are several different types of what is usually called corn in North America. They are all varieties of a plant (technically a grass) called maize.

The corn that we eat on the cob is sweet corn. It contains more sugar than other types and has very soft starch. Dent corn (or field corn) has a mix of hard and soft starches, and is used mainly for livestock feed, although it’s also used to make ethanol fuel. Flint corn (also referred to as Indian corn) has a harder shell and a wider range of colors; in the U.S., it’s most often seen as a fall decoration.

That brings us to popcorn! Popcorn is actually more closely related to flint corn than the other types, but the kernels have a different size and shape than any other corn variety. It also has a unique amount of starch and moisture. When it’s heated up, the moisture inside is turned to steam, causing the kernel to burst through its harder outer shell in a way that’s different from any other corn type.

From a nutrition standpoint, popcorn has more fiber and fewer calories than sweet corn, which can make it a healthy snack option. Although we might closely associate popcorn with “modern” things like movies, scientists think that humans probably cultivated popping corn to eat before any other variety. Today, the United States is the biggest producer of popcorn, with most of it being grown in a few Midwestern states like Topsy’s home state of Missouri.

Topsy’s Popcorn: Real Corn, Really Delicious

We hope now that you’ve finally had the mystery of whether popcorn is actually corn cleared up, you can enjoy the taste of Topsy’s is even more! Order a popcon tin in your choice of size, design, and flavors today!