Despite what many would have you believe, popcorn is not exclusively for dining on in a darkened room whilst watching the latest Hollywood blockbuster. Take a bag or two of corn kernels into the woods and with a little other preparation you'll be enjoying the warmth of a camp fire whilst eating your delicious popcorn in no time.
Before venturing into the woods, I would recommend buying two metal sieves and some metal wire. You'll then need to place them on top of each other with one of the handles bound to a long, sturdy stick and the other end of the sieves bound to each other. Confused yet? Here's a picture to clear up what I mean:
Now with your very high tech tool, all you'll need to do is hover the kernels above your camp fire, constantly shaking them so they do not burn and wait for the science to take over. Here is another opportunity to wow your friends by informing them of the science taking place and how those little kernels become yummy popcorn.
Almost every kernel of popcorn has a tiny drop of water stored within. When the kernel is slowly heated that water begins to expand. At around 100 degrees Celsius, the drop of water becomes steam, causing pressure to build within the kernel. The kernel continues to heat to 180 degrees Celsius, at which point the pressure inside the kernel becomes too much for the hull to take and it bursts open with its tell tale popping sound. The 'legs' protruding from the kernel is simple the expanded starch that was superheated by the ow evaporated water.
By the time you have explained that, you should find that your popcorn is ready to enjoyed under the stars. But if you want to impress even further, here is a video showing the reaction taking place in super slow-mo
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