Each popcorn kernel is a seed, ready to burst when heated. (Image credit: Rick Madonik via Getty Images) You can imagine that popping maize kernels was first discovered by accident.

It’s likely that popcorn was discovered by accident when some maize kernels fell into a cooking fire. These popped corn bits also lasted longer than regular corn, which helped stretch out their ...

Figuring out when people started making popcorn is harder. There are several types of maize, most of which will pop if heated, but one variety, actually called “popcorn,” makes the best popcorn.

Scientists have discovered phytoliths from Peru, as well as burned kernels, of this type of “poppable” maize from as early as 6,700 years ago.

Popcorn might be more than 6,000 years old, an anthropologist explains. Skip to main content. ... Luckily, corn – also called maize – has some hard parts, such as the kernel shell.

The world's first popcorn likely popped by chance when some maize kernels fell into a cooking fire. Suddenly there were these mysteriously puffed-up corn bits that seemed to keep longer than ...

Luckily, corn – also called maize – has some hard parts, such as the kernel shell. They're the bits at the bottom of the popcorn bowl that get caught in your teeth.

However, the changed situation after Covid-19 has also resulted in a spike in demand for corn. One quintal of popcorn-variety maize, which used to sell for Rs 20,000-25,000, is now being sold at ...