Why some of the kernels in your popcorn don't pop?

Business Insider is providing an answer to the question of why some corn kernels never pop.

Helen Czerski, author of Storm in a Teacup, explains that the husk is waterproof.

– Inside, there's a little bit of water and then a lot of starch – Czerski explains.

When you heat up the popcorns, what's happening on the inside is that the pressure and the temperature are cooking the starch and the water is starting to evaporate. As it evaporates, it expands. So, some of the popcorn, the husk can't take it anymore. The pressure builds up and eventually the popcorn pops, she adds.

Some corn kernels, however, have damaged husks, allowing the water to leak out and preventing the pressure from building up on the inside

popcorn

Storm in a Cup

Helen Czarski

corn

corn kernel

Business Insider