Have you ever wondered how popcorn is made? It starts as a kernel, which is a seed containing a little water and a lot of starch. When this is heated above 100 °C, the water boils and becomes water vapour. This gas takes up more space than liquid water, so the pressure inside the kernel builds up. Suddenly, the hard skin splits and the starchy insides burst out, pushing against the bottom of the pan and flipping the popped corn into the air. All this happens in a fraction of a second!
Discover the science of baking, including loads of fantastic food facts, in Whizz Pop Bang’s extra-special 50th edition: THE GREAT SCIENCE BAKE OFF!
Watch popcorn popping in super slow motion here: