Popcorn and Ornamental Corn Key points Popcorn characteristics Growing popcorn Harvesting & shelling Popping Ornamental corn Problems

Popcorn (Zea mays) Introduction Was probably the __________ type of corn to be consumed Began in _____________ region of South America Also widely used by North American natives Actually a type of flint corn

Characteristics of Popcorn Generally has ________________ ears May be 2 to 3 ears per stalk Comes in a range of colors Red, blue, _______________, purple, orange Standard cultivars are yellow or white Popcorn can be grown both for popping or as an _________________

Popcorn Kernels Pointed at the __________ and apex Very hard endosperm Have _________ pericarps _______________ content very important for good popping When heated the water expands Causes kernel to turn itself inside out

Growing Popcorn Plant in _____- _____ when soils have warmed Popcorn has slow ___________ and seedling growth

Growing Popcorn Pollination Plant in _________________ to ensure good pollination Not necessary to isolation from other types of corn If popcorn sheds ______ at same time as sweet corn, sweet corn quality can be reduced

Popcorn Harvesting Ears must reach full maturity Allow ears to remain on plants until they reach about _______% moisture (about first frost) Harvest ___________ and remove husks Store ears for about 3 weeks in a sheltered, dry place, outdoors Well ventilated to avoid mold Brings moisture content down to ~____%; ideal for popping

Hand-shelling popcorn Remove kernels from the ear by a vigorous _______ motion against your hands Store the kernels in ________ containers Popping ______ critical – ______ of popped corn from given weight of _______ kernels

Popping __________ integrity is of utmost importance It is like a pressure vessel Heat _________ the moisture Steam provides the driving force for _________ of the kernel Popping occurs when the _______ ruptures Rupture should not occur until ________ lbs per sq. inch of pressure is applied

Popping Poor popping Often occurs if moisture content is too low Without proper storage, popcorn will dry to _______% moisture, which is too low for good popping Can increase moisture by adding one tablespoon of water per ____________ of popcorn, shaking, and sealing in a container If pericarp is broken, popping quality is greatly __________________ If popcorn is “chewy” after popping then too much _________

Popcorn as a food Nutritionally _________ popcorn is one of best snack foods Popcorn contains: More _________ and protein than a similar weight of whole wheat bread 67% as much _______, 110% as much iron, and as much ______ as equal amount of beef Added oil and salt lowers nutritional value

Ornamental Corn New ornamental corns have________ in their parentage Smaller ear size Plant in mid-to-late May for mid- _______ harvest Can find cultivars with _________ stalks, husks, and kernels

Ornamental Corn Harvest ears when ________ is dry and ears beginning to dry down Pick ears carefully so ________ not damaged Pull husks back – so _____ and ears dry quickly Tie ears together into bunches

Problems of popcorn and ornamental corn Stalk standabilty and ear ______ important Insect problems _________ to sweet corn Damage from corn earworm, European corn borer, & corn _________ Diseases – stalk rots & ear molds