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

2. 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

3. 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 _________________

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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 _________

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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