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Popcorn, also known as popping corn, is a type of corn (maize, ''Zea mays var. everta'') that expands from the kernel and puffs up when much heat is applied through a microwave cooking device or other heating object. Popcorn is able to pop because, like amaranth grain, sorghum, quinoa, and millet, its kernels have hard moisture-sealed hull and a dense starchy innards. When heated, pressure builds within the kernel, and a small explosion (or "pop") is the end result. Some strains of corn are now cultivated specifically as popping corns. There are various techniques for popping corn. Along with prepackaged popcorn, which is generally intended to be prepared in a microwave oven, there are small home appliances for popping corn. These methods require the use of minimally processed popping corn. A larger-scale, commercial popcorn machine was invented by Charles Cretors in the late 19th century. Unpopped popcorn is considered nonperishable and will last indefinitely if stored in ideal conditions. Depending on how it is prepared and cooked, some consider popcorn to be a health food, while others caution against it for a variety of reasons. Popcorn can also have non-food applications, ranging from holiday decorations to packaging materials. == History == Corn was first domesticated in Mexico 9,000 years ago from a wild grass. During the Great Depression, popcorn was fairly inexpensive at 5–10 cents a bag and became popular. Thus, while other businesses failed, the popcorn business thrived and became a source of income for many struggling farmers, including the Reddenbacher family, namesake of the famous popcorn brand. During World War II, sugar rations diminished candy production, and Americans compensated by eating three times as much popcorn as they had before. At least six localities (all in the Midwestern United States) claim to be the "Popcorn Capital of the World;": Ridgway, Illinois; Valparaiso, Indiana; Van Buren, Indiana; Schaller, Iowa; Marion, Ohio; and North Loup, Nebraska. According to the USDA, corn used for popcorn production is specifically planted for this purpose; most is grown in Nebraska and Indiana, with increasing area in Texas.〔(Reports for other years also available )〕 As the result of an elementary school project, popcorn became the official state snack food of Illinois. January 19 is National Popcorn Day in the United States. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Popcorn」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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