Popcorn is the ultimate movie snack, and who doesn't love how quick it is to heat up a batch? The only thing is, it's pretty easy to burn. Popcorn must be heated with a strong—but not too strong—heat source. According to NASA, the moisture inside a popcorn kernel turns to steam at about 450 degrees Fahrenheit before the kernel pops. If the heat is much hotter than 450 degrees Fahrenheit, the popcorn burns before it pops. If the temperature is below 450 degrees Fahrenheit, the popcorn won't pop because the moisture inside the kernels has not yet evaporated.
Writer Bio
Megan Smith has been a freelance writer and editor since 2006. She writes about health, fitness, travel, beauty and grooming topics for various print and Internet publications. Smith earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in writing from New York University.