Corny Facts Try it @ Home!  Yellow is the most common color for corn, but it can be grown in Confetti Corn Salsa a rainbow of colors including red, green, white, purple, black, and blue-gray! Ingredients:  is included in the Corn Belt, or areas in the US where corn Salsa- grows best  2 cups frozen or fresh corn  Peak corn season is July – September kernels, thawed  The average ear of corn has 800 kernels! They are arranged in 16  1 pint cherry rows. tomatoes, halved  1 large avocado, diced  There is one piece of silk for each kernel!  1 small orange bell  Corn is unique from other , since the is the edible pepper, diced part of the rather than the flesh of the .  ½ cup small diced red onion  Ripe corn has a green husk, dry brown silks, and fill-size kernels Dressing- that are fully colored at the tip of the ear. Look for kernels that  2 Tablespoons extra virgin release a milky liquid when olive oil punctured with your thumbnail.  1 small lime, juiced and zested  2 teaspoons honey Why should you never tell  ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro a secret in a cornfield? Health Benefits  ¼ teaspoon Because there are too  ¼ teaspoon pepper many Ears around!  Corn is a source of healthy whole Instructions: 1. In a large bowl combine corn, and good source of both soluble and tomatoes, avocado, bell insoluble pepper, and red onion.  The fiber in corn helps bind to cholesterol to 2. FOR THE DRESSING: In a prevent it from being absorbed in the bloodstream. Fiber also helps small bowl whisk together oil, with regular digestion and intestinal health. lime juice and zest, honey, cilantro, salt, and pepper until  Corn contains the antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, which support blended. eye health by reducing the risk of macular degeneration and the 3. TO FINISH: Pour dressing development of cataracts. over vegetables and toss  The nutrients in corn may also have a role in slowing bone loss gently to coat. Cover bowl associated with inflammatory diseases and cancer. plastic wrap and chill 1-2 hours before serving to let  Corn is a good source of folate ( B9), which helps keep the the flavors marry. Enjoy! heart healthy and prevents neural tube birth defects.  Thiamin (Vitamin B1) in corn helps to maintain proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system.

References: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts//corn.html https://extension.purdue.edu/foodlink/food.php?food=sweet%20corn https://sunshinesweetcorn.com/health-benefits/ http://www.ncga.com/topics/education/education-k-12 http://www.popcorn.org The Science of

4 Types of Corn:

 Out of the 4 corn types, only popcorn kernels have the right thickness that allow it to burst open and create the characteristic pop-ability and taste we know and love.

Popcorn is made of 3 parts: Germ, , and Pericarp (aka /Hull). The endosperm contains starchy and provides energy for the germ. The hull of popcorn kernels is made of cellulose and is the hardest of all the types. As the popcorn kernel is heated, the moisture bound inside the endosperm is heated, generating steam. Due to the hard and flinty popcorn hull, pressure builds up within the kernel. The from the endosperm becomes soft and forms a gel. The pressure builds up (to 135#/in2) until the pericarp, or hull, ruptures and the gelatinized starch granules spew out, drying upon exposure to outside air. The kernel is turned inside out and the starch granules puff out, creating the unique popcorn shapes.

For more info and fun popcorn facts, visit: https://www.popcorn.org/Facts-Fun/What-Makes-Popcorn-Pop