Popcorn is a special type of corn that puffs when heated, and is one of the oldest strains of corn. The corn used for popcorn was planted specifically for that purpose, with several types that produce interesting variations: butterflies (which resemble octopus in that they have a big head and protruding "wings" or legs) and "mushrooms" (which look more like balls and used in heartier confections, such as caramel corn). Heirloom varieties offer pretty cool colors.

Today popcorn is a snack, dessert, and even decoration, although it would be awesome to consider how it might figure into breakfast, lunch, or dinner. (It's a vegetable, after all!) It's eaten salty or sweet, plain or buttered.