What characteristic of dried flint corn kernels causes them to explode when heated?
Answer
Internal moisture turning to steam
Popcorn is exclusively produced using dried flint corn kernels because of their specific physical structure and moisture content. When these fully dried kernels are rapidly heated, the moisture trapped inside the hard endosperm converts into steam. Because the hard, glassy outer layer prevents the steam from escaping easily, the internal pressure builds rapidly until the kernel ruptures, causing the characteristic explosion that transforms it into popcorn. This mechanism distinguishes it from sweet corn, which would not behave this way when dried and heated.
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