When clients contact Shumway Farms, they want to know that they are in the best hands possible. With Shumway, top notch quality is a given, as their kernels are sure to provide the necessary flavor and exceed any and all expectations when it comes to shelf life. However, there are certain questions that are often asked by these clients. To find out more about the “is popcorn a seed or a kernel?” question (and others), be sure to check out the following guide:
Where Do Popcorn Kernels Come From?
This Native American plant may be well known for its awesome flavor but there is more to this plant than its delightful exploding kernels. For starters, farmers of the time period had to differentiate between rice and pearl plants. In modern times, production has moved towards the pearl types. Modern day farmers must also beware of the dangers of growing sweet corn and popping corn in the same garden.
When cross pollination takes place, the results can be a massive letdown. No, popcorn cannot be made from sweet corn. Yes, sweet corn can be used to make soups and vegetables but anyone who attempts to make popcorn from it is going to be sorely disappointed. These corns are picked from the garden during the milk stage, meaning that they are at a more immature stage than their counterparts.
On the other hand, the popcorn that is utilized by those who are looking for a great snack is removed once it has had a chance to get hard. The hulls are moisture resistant, protecting the popcorn in a preemptive manner.
Is Popcorn a Seed or a Kernel?
The answer, as funny as it may seem, is both! Each kernel of popcorn functions as a seed. The kernels each contain a baby plant (also known as an embryo) and the seeds are given coating for protection. The seeds are also filled with food for the plant, which comes in the form of a starchy endosperm. Sweet corn and popcorn are the two main types of seed, as mentioned above.
There is one massive difference between the two of them that must be discussed. The makeup for their respective endosperm and the protection that their seed coats have to offer are the key areas that farmers must be aware of. The sweet corn seeds are always going to be much easier to split, especially once they have been exposed to moisture.
Popcorn seeds require far more pressure, as their coatings offer them far more protection. The starch and water within these seeds creates quite a formidable pop when combined with the seed coatings. Once the kernel is exposed to heat, the oil and water inside soften up the starch. Once the pressure gets high enough, the outer shell finally gives way, creating the popcorn that everyone knows and loves.
Is Popcorn Healthy?
When people hear that popcorn is healthy, they are often skeptical. This is easy to understand but the concept of popcorn as a healthy snack is the furthest thing from a myth. As with many snacks that are enjoyed on an everyday basis, it is as healthy as the person who is preparing it allows it to be. Popcorn can be healthy as vegetables, if it is made properly.
Of course, the right ingredients need to be chosen. Popcorn is full of antioxidants that are also known as polyphenols. These antioxidants are often found in many vegetables and fruits, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease. Various forms of cancer are also kept at bay by choosing heart healthy snacks like these.
For best results, snackers should be choosing plain popcorn that has been air popped. The healthiness of popcorn severely declines once all of the typical additives are introduced to the equation. The more oil, salt and butter that is added, the less healthy this snack becomes. Otherwise, popcorn becomes every bit as unhealthy as potato chips or other comparable choices.
Popcorn’s Rise To Prominence
While the early days of popcorn are rightfully associated with the Native Americans, there is a bit of folklore that needs to be untangled when it comes to popcorn’s popularity in the present day. First of all, Native Americans are not the only population to have discovered popcorn during ancient times. Popcorn remnants were discovered in Mexico that are said to date all the way back to 3600 BC.
In fact, there are historians who have hypothesized popcorn being the first form of corn that the average person was aware of, which makes a lot of sense when historical considerations are made. Yes, the old stories about Native Americans teaching the settlers who came to America about the wonders of popcorn are still being told. On the other hand, there is nothing to confirm these tall tales and they remain unsubstantiated in the present day.
There is one interesting historical tidbit that does need to be noted, though. Popcorn has been noted by historians as one of the most popular snacks of the Great Depression period. This makes all of the sense in the world, as it is very inexpensive. Since this time period, it has been a popular staple throughout the world, not just the United States.
The Final Word
Whether someone is looking to farm their own popcorn or make a purchase from a bulk retailer like Shumway Farms, there are no shortage of considerations that need to be made. The more that people know about these seeds, their origin and how to maximize their yield, the easier things become.
Those who have additional questions about how their popcorn is grown and the best methods for preparation are more than welcome to speak to the professionals at Shumway. With their helpful staff members and commitment to high quality and integrity, there is no limit to the assistance that can be offered. This is certainly music to the ears of distribution centers, brokers, and other facilitators who are looking to make the right purchase.
