The influence of moisture content on popping traits in popcorn

The influence of grain moisture content at harvest and at the moment of popping on popping volume and percentage of unpopped kernels was analysed. Four popcorn hybrids were studied. Hybrids were harvested when grain moisture content was: above 25%, between 20 - 25%, and below 18%. Each sample was popped at 20%, 18%, 16%, 14%, 12%, and 10% of grain moisture. All examined factors and their interactions significantly influenced both popping volume and percentage of unpopped kernels. The highest popping volume and the lowest percentage of unpopped kernels were observed at 14% grain moisture content. Hybrid ZP 608k had the highest popping volume and the lowest percentage of unpopped kernels at all treatments and overall. The lowest popping volume and the highest percentage of unpopped kernels were noticed for ZP 501k. The lowest percentage of unpopped kernels was observed in the last harvest term when grain moisture content was below 18%.