Wait, what? Corn in fireworks? You might be thinking corn is just for popcorn or tortillas, but this humble crop has a secret life in the world of pyrotechnics. Believe it or not, cornstarch—a product made from corn—plays a starring role in the explosive world of fireworks!

Here’s how it works: 

When fireworks are made, one of the key ingredients is a binder—something that holds all the colorful, explosive bits together. That’s where cornstarch steps in. Cornstarch acts like a glue to keep the powder and chemicals used in fireworks packed tight, allowing the magic to happen at just the right moment.

But wait, there’s more! Cornstarch also helps with the smooth burning process. Fireworks need to burn at a steady rate to produce those stunning bursts and patterns we love. Cornstarch ensures a controlled burn, making sure your fireworks don’t just fizzle out but go out with a bang—literally.

So why corn? 

Cornstarch is cheap, renewable, and easy to source. Plus, it’s a natural product that’s been used for centuries for various purposes. It’s non-toxic, which means it's safe to use in a product designed to explode in mid-air. Corn's flexibility and accessibility make it a perfect fit for fireworks!

From field to firework show, corn helps light up the sky, creating the sparkling colors and stunning shapes that bring joy to so many celebrations. So next time you’re oohing and aahing over a fireworks display, give a little cheer for corn—a small but mighty part of the magic!