Pop, Pop, Popcorn

There is absolutely NO doubt about it. Popcorn is my favorite snack. I eat large bowls full of it all the time.

118,225 Popcorn Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock

I bring all this up because yesterday, January 19, was National Popcorn Day. I apologize for being a day late on this national day of celebrations. Corn that has been popped has been around for at least about 5600 years. Popped corn has been a favorite of the Native Americans, both in South and North America for thousands of years . It was of course popular for eating, but was also used for decorations, jewelry and ceremonies as well.

I know there are plenty of people who like other kinds of flavors mixed in with their popcorn, and that’s OK … for them. Some people like it with chocolate or caramel or sugar. Others like it with cheese or garlic or even BBQ flavorings. The possibilities are endless, and that’s OK for some, but not for me. Some people like it fancy or gourmet style while others like it colored.

The Best 7 Varieties of Popcorn to Grow Your Own | Gardener's Path
Caramel Popcorn (Caramel Corn) | RecipeTin Eats

I am a popcorn purist though. For me, I stick to the basics. Nothing but oil, butter and salt for me. To me, this is the best way to enjoy my popcorn, eating it one popped kernel at a time.

Popcorn became a popular snack to the American population as a whole around the mid 1800’s. It really became popular at theatres during the Great Depression of the 1920’s and 30’s when the theatres started selling it to help make money to help them stay open.

It is estimated that today, Americans consume about 15 billion quarts of popcorn annually, which breaks down to an average of about 45 quarts per person. I know I certainly eat my share, and then some on a regular basis. 🙂 Some of the reasons for its popularity are because it’s one of the most wholesome and economical foods available to Americans and considered a healthy snack to indulge in. Compared to most snack foods, popcorn is extremely low in calories. Air-popped popcorn only has 31 calories per cup, while oil-popped popcorn has only 55 calories per cup, not counting the butter of course. Popcorn is the perfect go to snack for trying to meet those weight loss (or gain) goals healthily while keeping your body nourished and your tummy happy! It is also good comfort food that is easy to eat and easy to enjoy, whether at home or away.

So pop away and celebrate national popcorn day, even if a day or two late. It’s always time for popcorn.

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Author: ajeanneinthekitchen

I have worked in the restaurant and catering industry for over 35 years. I attended 2 culinary schools in Southern California, and have a degree in culinary arts from the Southern California School of Culinary Arts, as well as a few other degrees in other areas. I love to cook and I love to feed people.

24 thoughts on “Pop, Pop, Popcorn”

  4. No national popcorn here ever. That I know of but I too enjoy popcorn. Usually the 31 calories per cup air-popped corn. Always have. I don’t need to be on a diet to eat air- popped corn. I love it that way. Oh…and I eat it one at a time too. 🙂

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  6. Pingback: Pop, Pop, Popcorn – A Jeanne in the Kitchen | Ups Downs Family History

  9. Have you heard about popcorn lung? Make sure you don’t eat pounds and pounds of popcorn every single day.

    I love popcorn, too. I don’t like the sweet stuff, but I do enjoy the cheesy version every now and again. It has to be done well, though. Most of the time, I just pop it myself and add some salt. When I feel like it, I do add some butter.

    It surprised me a few years back to discover other colors of corn for popping. There definitely is a difference in taste based on the color. I stick to the ‘original’ one.

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