壹苹派生活美语　爆米花是怎么来的？

　　According to some Native American legends, each corn kernel houses a tiny spirit. When the fire gets too hot, it becomes angry and bursts out of the kernel’s hull. Of course, science says differently. Popcorn kernels pop when heated because they contain a small amount of water, which is stored inside a circle of soft starch. When the kernel is heated, the water inside becomes steam, which forces the starch to swell.

　　根据一些美洲原住民的传说，每颗玉米粒中都蕴藏著一个小精灵。当火变得太热时，祂会发怒并从玉米粒的外壳爆发出来。当然，科学并不是这样说的。爆米花粒在加热时会爆开，因为它们含有少量的水，这些水储存在一圈软淀粉内。当玉米粒被加热时，里面的水会变成水蒸气，迫使淀粉膨胀。

生活必备字词：

legend　n. 传说

spirit　n. 精灵

burst　vi. 爆开；破裂（三态同形）

burst open　　猛然爆开∕打开

◆免费线上听外师朗读 https://ivyforfree.pse.is/3jks97

本文节录自《常春藤生活英语》杂志，完整内容请见三月号。