We set a heat record here today

It's fake. To have popcorn that pops it needs to first dry (the stalks are dry and brown like straw when it's harvested in Autumn), that corn in the picture is not dry, the kernels are still plump and pressed tight against each other, then cook very hot so fast that the scant bit of moisture left inside boils making it essentially explode inside out. This is just an ear of corn with some popcorn glued on.

oh ok I got quite worried for a sec there