Popcorn is one of America's most favorite snacks. Americans consume some 16 billion quarts of popcorn a year. It's a popular food being sold to moviegoers in cinemas and also commonly seen at fairs, parties and other special occasions. It is a quick and delicious snack which is also nutritious when prepared properly with the right additives or seasonings. Popcorn now comes in an assortment of flavors to suit all kinds of individual tastes. This buyers guide will help you acquire a better understanding about popcorn and its many varieties so you may be able to choose well when buying popcorn and other popcorn supplies.
has a unique flavor and pops into large, white kernels with blue speckles
also sometimes called hull-less popcorn because the hull almost completely disappears when the kernel pops
a very flavorful popcorn
Black
comes from ornamental types of corn also used for decorating
has a very crunchy, medium sized kernel
the un-popped kernel is black but becomes very white when popped, leaving a small black hull behind.
Types of Popcorn Kernels
There are two types of popcorn kernels: “butterfly” and “mushroom.”
Butterfly
The “butterfly” popcorn kernel is usually large, light, and fluffy, and it looks like it has wings, much like a butterfly. Its tenderness depends on the size of kernel.
Mushroom
The “mushroom” type of kernel is more dense and compact, like a ball. It is used for candy coating, caramelizing, etc. It does not have "wings" that would break off during handling or cooking processes. There are varying percentages of mushroom kernels in this variety, depending on how it is going to be used.
Popcorn Flavors and Seasonings
Popcorn can have many flavors, depending on the fat used to pop it and the seasonings applied afterward. The most common popcorn seasoning is plain butter and salt. But there are also quite a number of additional popcorn seasoning and flavorings available to choose from. Some of the most popular popcorn flavoring selections include Barbecue, Chili, Caramel, Cheddar, Butter, Garlic, Nacho, Sour Cream and Onion, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Jalapeno, Cajun, Kettle Corn, and Movie Theater. Aside from those available on the market, some people enjoy experimenting on flavors and creating their own seasonings. Some homemade popcorn seasonings include seasoning with onion soup mix, sprinkling popcorn with garlic or onion salt, hickory smoke seasoning, cinnamon, paprika, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, basil, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Using seasonings is a great way to ensure that your popcorn tastes delicious while staying nutritious. Many of these are available here at HeartlandPopcorn.com.
Popcorn Machine Types
There are many ways of making popcorn with the use of different machines. Some popcorn machines makes use hot oil and some utilize heated air to cook the kernels. The four basic types of popcorn machines are the Air Popcorn Makers, Oil Popcorn Makers, Stove Top Popcorn Makers, and Microwave Popcorn Makers.
Air Popcorn Maker
the healthiest way to cook popcorn.
operated by trapping heat in covered containers which forces the heat to circulate in such a way that it cooks the kernels and forces them pop out.
don’t require oil and less fat involved in the cooking process
Oil Popcorn Maker
produces the tastiest popcorn, but least healthy
cook the popcorn on heated oil
the traditional way of cooking popcorn; classic “movie theater popcorn”
more expensive to operate than the other types
Stove Top Popcorn Maker
simple and cheapest way to make popcorn
old fashioned popcorn maker
essentially specialized “kettles” placed on top of a stove with the popcorn kernels placed inside
the heat pops the kernels, no need of oil
hard to control the heat and needs constant checking to prevent popcorn burning
Microwave Popcorn Maker
not a popcorn maker in the traditional sense, but can be used to make popcorn
uses microwave heat to cook the popcorn
most popularly used because of convenience and prevalence of microwave popcorn packets in retail stores
can only cook instant microwavable popcorn packets which contain lots of unhealthy additives like or salt and butter
Packaging and Containers
Popcorn can come in a range of packaging depending on the occasion or place. Popcorn in movie houses and cinemas usually come in cardboard tubs and boxes of different sizes. When buying popcorn from a supermarket it will usually be in paper bags or boxed. Some are also available in plastic or metal containers with lids to ensure an airtight condition. HeartlandPopcorn.com has a variety of popcorn bags, boxes and containers available for you to store or serve your snacks at home or wherever you feel like eating you popcorn.
There is no doubt that popcorn is one of the top snack foods in the world. Compared to most snack foods, popcorn is low in calories. It is relatively inexpensive too. There are many reasons why popcorn appeals to a lot of people and continues to be a favorite. We hope that you enjoy shopping for popcorns here at HeartlandPopcorn.com. Happy snacking!
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