You might think corn’s just for popcorn or tortillas, but it plays a surprise role in fireworks. The secret ingredient? Cornstarch.

Cornstarch acts as a binder, holding the explosive chemicals together so they ignite properly. It also helps fireworks burn smoothly, giving us those perfect bursts of color and light.

Why use corn? It’s cheap, renewable, and non-toxic—ideal for something meant to explode in the sky.

So next time you’re watching fireworks, give a nod to corn—quietly working behind the scenes to bring the boom.