To evaluate the quality of different brands of commercial popcorn, a study was conducted during the period of September to December, 1998. A completely randomized blocks design was adapted with ten treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of different brands of the popcorn: Yoki, Hikari, Sinhá, Maitá, Dona Clara, Zaeli, Super Grão, Poty, Kero-Kero 1 and Kero-Kero 2. The characteristics appraised were: index of expansion capacity (ICE), 100 grains weight, water content (TU) and sensorial analysis (AS). The results show that the Zaeli, Yoki, Maitá and Dona Clara presented high ICE and preference in AS, where as the Kero-Kero 2 showed the hightest percentage of water content and weight of 100 grains. The brands Yoki and Dona Clara presented higher mean weight, although statistically not differing with respect to Sinhá, Zaeli and Kero-Kero 2.
popcorn; quality; brands of the popcorn
