What makes popcorn pop

By Viliam Kanis

Have you ever wondered how those corn kernels turn into popcorn? Popcorn is a corn kernel converted through heat.

Corn is cleaned off the cob, stored and preserved. Each kernel has a little water or moisture locked inside of them. So when you start to heat the popcorn the pressure builds up inside the corn to the point where it has no where to go. The contained moisture converts into steam which result in increase inner pressure. The pressure builds up and the starch starts to expand to the point where the kernel explodes. This explosion gives birth to the tasty treat we call popcorn.

Large, tender and tasty popcorn is in demand. How do we guarantee our corn kernel produces these tasty treats? This is the responsibility of the farmers.

Farmers that grow corn usually harvest their crop when the moisture content of the corn is approximately 16-20%. Once the corn is harvested, the farmer then dries the corn until the moisture content reaches 12-15% of its body mass.

Not every corn can produce popcorn. Different conr means different moisture content. Little or no water content will result in no popcorn. popcorn is formed through the expansion of water into gas which increases the pressure in the corn. The pressure needs to be released which subsequently gives birth to the tasty popcorn.

The anatomy of the corn kernel is quite simple. The corn kernel contains 3 main parts which play a significant role in the production of popcorn. The pericarp, which is the hull or simply the outer covering, the germ which is the part that sprouts and the endosperm which contains the starch that expands.

So how does the popcorn withstand the build up of pressure? Pericarp is strong and acts as a cover of the corn kernel. This strong, protective layer acts like a seal, just like a sealed plastic bag would inflate when micro waved. The steam within this cover builds up to the point where it expands and eventually explodes. If the pericarp of the corn was damaged or cut the corn will not pop.

The expansion or popping of the corn takes place in the tightly packed endosperm. The greater development of the endosperm results in bigger and tastier popcorn. The shell of the corn explodes after the inner pressure exceeds about 9 athmospheres. The gelatinized starch granules found in the endosperm do not explode, but expand into the cooler room temperature and solidify into the thin, fluffy like bubbles that we call popcorn.

Different varieties of corn have been genetically engineered for the purpose of producing popcorn. The white hull-less and yellow hull-less are the most common and are usually packaged in the microwave bags. As soon as the kernel contains 10-15% of moisture it can be used to produce popcorn.

About the Author:

Do not hesitate to visit us at Kettle Corn Machine to get more information.

TEC Grills - The Grandaddy of Infrared Grills

By Mike Pit

In 1961, a company named Thermal Engineering Corporation (TEC) came up with a highly efficient ceramic infrared burner. This is not surprising since the were in the business of developing applications for infrared radiant energy. They've maintained their expert edge ever since.

With over thirty worldwide patents, TEC is a workhorse in the community. The company invented the first infrared grill, introducing the gas grill with concealed fuel tanks in 1980. With a channeled grid system for cooking, the grills from TEC retain the natural flavor and juices of the foods that are grilled. TEC has also invented the glass infrared cooking system, developed the first portable infrared grill, and introduced both the electric and all metal flare-resistant infrared grills and cooking systems.

Radiant energy is the key output of infrared technology. Radiant energy does not transfer through any medium. What it does is excite molecules inside your food which produces heat. This lets you heat food up more quickly, evenly and far more efficiently. It's kind of like rubbing your hands together and then heat you generate from the friction.

With all of the awards they win, it's hard to know when they have time to make anything. 2005 and 2006 were big years, winning numerous awards for technological advances in the grilling world. The Vest Award from Home and Hearth Magazine for Best New Barbcue (2005). Best in Show for New Outdoor Room Products (2005). Kitchen Innovations Award from the National Restaurant , Hotel-Motel Show for the TEC Searmaster II Infrared Charbroiler (2006). The GFEN Blue Flame Product Of The Year Award (2006). Outstanding Technology Of The Year Award from the International Academy Of Science for the G400FR (2006).

If you want to compare TEC to the competition, it'll be favorable. Any grill that uses stainless steel burners is going to be durable. It also distributes heat very well with varying the location, size and shape of the apertures. Expect no more than a 5% temperature variance in any spot.

TEC controls flare-ups with metal burners that use 100% primary air. A secondary source would be a potential source of flaring.

TEC grills can cook just about anything because of it's wide range. You can control temperatures from 300 deg F to 900 deg F. Regardless of the temperature, TEC grills use 50% less gas than most competing brands.

TEC grills are money well spent, especially the TEC Searmaster II because it uses less fuel and takes less effort to use effectively. Your steaks are going to taste great and even if you like them well done, you can expect them to still be juicy with less than 30% shrinkage.

The Sterling Series is also worth looking at. They are all made with 14 and 18 gauge 304 stainless steel so rust and dings are not going to happen. That make the lifetime warranty easy for TEC.

These and all models of TEC grills can be found worldwide at such locations as True Value, ACE, Lehrer, and Ferrelgas.

About the Author:

Mike Pit founded The Gas Grill Review for those researching new grills. You can read more about TEC grills or submit a review of your own.

Using a Charcoal Grill

So you have decided that you want to start barbequing. What more, you have done your research and decided that a charcoal grill is the right type of grill for you. So now you have to pick out the charcoal grill that suits you best.

One of the first things to consider when purchasing your first charcoal grill is what you will be using it for. If you plan on traveling and using your charcoal grill, you will want something small enough to travel with you. Smaller charcoal grills are saint for cookouts, camping, and cut gate parties, but would not be useful if you were cooking for a larger amount of people. Smaller grills that are cushy to transport usually cost under 20 dollars, so you may want to consider purchasing a separate grill for smaller occasions.

Safety should also be a major concern when you are picking out your first charcoal grill. Since you grill will contain hot coals, the number one concern should be whether or not your grill is sturdy. Look for a charcoal grill with a sturdy structure and sturdy legs. If you grill does now have sturdy legs, it’s chances of falling over is much greater. When a charcoal grill falls over, it send hot coals flying. Many charcoal grills also have built in country features such as a water reservoir and smothering valves. Undoubtedly, when you are cooking with fire, accidents can happen. In the case that your grill gets out of control or becomes to hot, these country features will prevent potentially chanceful fires.

One of the most noticeable features when using charcoal is the flavor of the food you cook. To cook with a charcoal grill, you must buy charcoal briquettes and lighter fluid. Charcoal is a one use item, and will need to be discarded after apiece use. Charcoal can be picked up at your local superstore, gas station, or grocery store, and is typically pretty inexpensive. Charcoal must be light and allowed to burn until the charcoal is no longer on fire, but is red embers. The best way to get the pile to burn is by stacking it in a pyramid.

While no one likes to clean their grill, it is necessary to maintain your grill if you want it to last it’s intended lifetime. One problem you will grappling is the fact that Charcoal grills stay hot for a long period of time.

You can cure this situation 2 ways. First you can leave your grill open, allowing it to burn out. This method typically burns a lot of the grease off, but can potentially cause problems if you are not near your barbeque grill. You do not want to start a fire. Another way is to completely close off your grill and deny the fire oxygen. As soon as the grill is cold, or cold enough not to burn you, you will want to clean the grill. Leaving the grill dirty for any amount of time will cause the buildup to become hard, and may make it harder to remove. Use a wire brush to clean off the surface areas of your grill, and then spray cooking oil on the surface. Take the racks off and clean them with dishwashing soap. Dawn or other brands that have degreasers work best. Rinse the racks off, and replace them in the grill.

Using Gas Grills

The act of Barbequing or Grilling has been around as long as humans. Cavemen quickly realized that food tasted good after it was cooked over an open fire. Barbequing has become a standard American tradition for families. The reasons as clear as to why, not only does the food that comes from barbequing have a taste that is unmatched by other cooking methods, but barbequing presents a reason for families to gather together.

Gas grills work by a spark igniting the gas within the grill. Gas grills typically have a knob or button in which you push, which in turn activates a small hammer. The hammer hit’s the top of an ignition crystal. Then the burner mixes the gas with oxygen and spreads it all over the cooking surface.

Gas grills come in all shapes and sizes, which makes then saint for just about any type of barbequing party. Smaller gas grills give you the portability needed to plan barbeque parties away from home. Larger gas grills are handy and efficient for cooking larger amounts of food quickly, and without the mess of other types of grills. So after deciding that you indeed are in the market for a barbeque grill, there are several factors that you must consider when you purchase your first gas grill.

Gas grills literally come in all shapes and sizes. The type of grill you get should really depend on what you plan on using the grill for. If you foresee camping trips, barbeques at the beach or gate parties, you may want to consider getting a smaller gas grill. Smaller gas grills can range from anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds. Portable gas containers are also acquirable for these types of grills. If your plans are move focused on home cooking, then larger grills should suit you fine.

Gas grills, unlike some of the other grills types, have the ability to come with many different types of cooking surfaces. These different cooking surfaces include a BBQ surface, a flat grill, and a ribbed grill. Some grills even offer these types of surfaces as none stick, which allow you to cook a whole array of foods that you would not be healthy to cook on a grill otherwise. You will be healthy to cook your whole meal, including side dishes if you plan correctly. Some gas grills even contain a Wok type surface for cooking pasta and rise dishes, or a full rotisserie set that allows you to cook rotisserie chicken.

Similar to weight, you should consider the amount of cooking surface area you will need, depending on the situations you will be in. If you will only be cooking for yourself or you and one other, you will want a gas grill with a smaller surface area, as it will be easier to clean. If you plan on holding parties or cooking for a larger family, then you will want to consider a gas grill with a larger surface area. This surface area may also include different types of cooking surfaces. Look for the type that suits you best, or is interchangeable.

Gas grills are typically on the higher end of the cost scale, as they require more mechanical parts then other grills. You can expect to spend anywhere from $50 for a smaller grill up to $400+ for a large stationary grill. You also have to remember that you must also purchase the gas for your grill.

Wading Through Various Grill Features

When looking into different grills features, you may be visaged with what seems like a foreign language. How are you suppose to pick the grill that is best for you if you do not understand what you are reading? While the language used when describing grills will not get any easier to read, understanding what the majority if what it means will help you make an informed decision.

Perhaps one of the most important things you should consider is the fuel type. Charcoal grills are one of the most used types of grills. Charcoal grills utilize charcoal and lighter fluid to heat up and cook your food.

Charcoal grills come in all shapes and sizes, and vary in cost. Charcoal requires you to buy charcoal and lighter fluid apiece time you cook with it. It must also be cleaned out apiece time. Charcoal grills come in small sizes, which are saint for apartment dwellers or people with small homes. Once you have used your charcoal grill, you can clean it, and store it away. Propane grills are also useful for someone in small areas, since they can come in smaller sizes. Propane grills use propane gas to cook your food. If you want to quickly cook foods while still maintaining a grilled flavor, you may want to consider Propane grills. Natural gas grills are a little more complicated then smaller grills, so they require more room. Natural gas grills are meant to hook up directly to your home’s natural gas line, and can cook meat in record time. Smoker Grills are used when flavor is the number one priority. Smoker grills use wood to slow cook your meat. Flavor can be controlled by using different types of woods.

BTU is the measure of the amount of cooking power the barbeque grill as. Simple math will be needed in determining the amount of heat that your grill produces. Take the amount of space acquirable for cooking (typically measured by square inch) and divide it by the total amount of BTU’s. Ideally you will want at least 95 to 100 BTU’s per square inch of cooking space. So for example, if you have a grill with 50,000 BTU’s and 450 square inches of cooking space, then you will be receiving about 111 BTU’s of cooking power per square inch. Anything less, and you may want to consider a different grill.

The next thing you will want to consider is the cooking surfaces. How much space does it have? Will you be healthy to cook for just yourself, or you entire family? Depending on your situation, you may want to consider a larger or smaller grill.

What about cleaning? Does your grill have anything type of features that allow you to clean it easier? Some grills offer such things as a cleaning door, which allows you to easier remove the used fuels. This is handy if you decide on a charcoal and smoker grill. Some grills have a none stick surface, which allows you to cook without food sticking, and allows for very cushy cleanup.

Another feature some grills offer the ability to control different areas of your grill with different temperatures. This is typically controlled by knobs on the front, similar to an oven. This allows you to cook different types of foods at the same time. If you want to cook a whole meal on the grill, this can be possible.

Starting your grill changed drastically with apiece type of grill. Smokers and Charcoal burners require you to light the media, the move for it to burn out and turn to embers before cooking. This can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes. Natural gas and propane gar grills can be started instantly, wither by lighting the burners with a lighter, or by a knob on the front, which is attached to a small hammer that slams into a crystal, causing enough spark to ignite the fuel.

Your First Charcoal Grill

Perhaps you have just moved into your first place, or you decided that you wanted to broaden your horizons and try new things. Maybe you went to a Fourth of July barbeque party and tasted the beautiful smoked flavor, and decided you wanted to try to replicate it. After doing your research, you decided that a charcoal grill is right for you. Now what?

Now that you have decided you want a charcoal grill, you have to decide what type of charcoal grill will suit your needs. Are you planning on traveling and using your charcoal grill? If so, you will need a charcoal grill that is small enough to travel with you. Smaller charcoal grills are saint for cookouts, camping, and cut gate parties, but would not be useful if you were cooking for a larger amount of people. If you plan on feeding a larger amount of people, a larger charcoal grill will better suit your needs. If you are having issues deciding on which type you should get, you may consider getting both. Smaller charcoals grills can cost as little as $10 to $15 dollars, and will give you the ability to travel.

Charcoal grills contain hot embers and fire when it is in use. Safety should also be a major concern when you are picking out your first Charcoal grill. Look for a charcoal grill with a sturdy structure and sturdy legs. If you grill does now have sturdy legs, it’s chances of falling over is much greater. When a charcoal grill falls over, it will send the hot coals flying. Many charcoal grills also have built in country features such as a water reservoir and smothering valves. Undoubtedly, when you are cooking with fire, accidents can happen. In the case that your grill gets out of control or become to hot, these country features will prevent potentially chanceful fires. The fire department has much better things to do then help you cook.

One of the most noticeable features when using charcoal is the flavor of the food you cook. To cook with a charcoal grill, you must buy charcoal briquettes and lighter fluid. Charcoal is a one use item, and will need to be discarded after apiece use. Charcoal can be picked up at your local superstore, gas station, or grocery store, and is typically pretty inexpensive. Charcoal must be light and allowed to burn until the charcoal is no longer on fire, but is red embers. The best way to get the pile to burn is by stacking it in a pyramid.

While no one likes to clean their grill, it is necessary to maintain your grill if you want it to last it’s intended lifetime. One problem you will grappling is the fact that Charcoal grills stay hot for a long period of time. You can cure this situation 2 ways. First you can leave your grill open, allowing it to burn out.

This method typically burns a lot of the grease off, but can potentially cause problems if you are not near your barbeque grill. You do not want to start a fire. Another way is to completely close off your grill and deny the fire oxygen. As soon as the grill is cold, or cold enough not to burn you, you will want to clean the grill. Leaving the grill dirty for any amount of time will cause the buildup to become hard, and may make it harder to remove. Use a wire brush to clean off the surface areas of your grill, and then spray cooking oil on the surface. Take the racks off and clean them with dishwashing soap. Dawn or other brands that have degreasers work best. Rinse the racks off, and repla e them in the grill.

Why is Barbequing So Popular ?

Barbequing is an American tradition. Each year, statistics show that at least 90% of families attend at least one barbeque party or celebration. About 40% of families delight in throwing parties that center around the intent of barbequing. With statistics like that, one must wonder why barbequing is such a favourite event and tradition.

First, barbequing or grilling allows you to create a meal that is unmatched by any other type of cooking. The grilled smell and taste will perk up even the pickiest meat eater.

A variety of meats and side dishes are used when barbequing. Traditionally, families cook pork, beef, and fish on their grills. When visiting your local grocery store, look for meats that are specifically cut and packaged for barbequing. If you do not find pre packaged meats, then chances are spices, marinates, and kits for grilling are somewhere near by.

Traditional side dishes include potato salad, beans, and coleslaw. These sides work well with the variety of meats acquirable and are cushy to prepare and store until it is time to eat. Your traditional condiment bar should include pickles, relish, and onions.

Different types of grills will present different types of flavors. Charcoal and smoker grills present a natural “smoked” flavor which is one of the most known tastes of barbequing. Smokers even allow you to control slight changes in the favor of the meat by using different types of woods. Alternatively, propane grills allow grillers to cook their meals faster, but still have a grilled flavor.

Some grills have the ability to come with many different types of cooking surfaces. These different cooking surfaces include a BBQ surface, a flat grill, and a ribbed grill. Some grills even offer these types of surfaces as none stick, which allow you to cook a whole array of foods that you would not be healthy to cook on a grill otherwise. You will be healthy to cook your whole meal, including side dishes if you plan correctly. Some gas grills even contain a Wok type surface for cooking pasta and rise dishes, or a full rotisserie set that allows you to cook rotisserie chicken.

Another reason barbequing is so favourite is the fact that it gives you a reason to hold a party or celebration. Outdoor parties not only allow your guests to be present during the cooking of the meal, but also give them the opportunity to be with friends.

Themed parties are always fun for your family and guests. Festive decorations can be found at any local party or general store. You may also consider purchasing decorations that can be stored and reused at a different time, such as reusable tablecloths and Tiki torches. Give your clambake a beach theme by adding tropical music and you may even consider adding some sand.

Finally, barbequing is favourite because it can be considered a hobby as well. Barbequing, like anything else in life, takes time and practice. It can be fun to play and experiment with different techniques and recipes. Once you have developed a like for barbequing, then you can focus on creating your own variations on traditional recipes and ideas.

Barbequing is typically thought of as a summer event, but some diehard fans of barbeque will not think twice about breaking out their barbeque grills right in the middle of winter.