Everything for popcorn pros

Popcorn is not just a popular snack in the cinema. Through heavy heating of specially grown popcorn kernels and popcorn oil, the hard corn transforms into a solid foam-like, airy mass. Popcorn corn is also known as popping corn for the sound the kernels make when they burst. Adding popcorn sugar, popcorn salt or flavouring creates popcorn specialties for every preference. However, tastes are different everywhere. For instance, sweet popcorn is most popular in Germany. Many other countries prefer salty, or extra buttery popcorn.

The shell contains fibre and antioxidants

The aroma created when making popcorn makes many people's mouths water. Larger amounts of popcorn are prepared in special popcorn machines. However, popcorn not only tastes good but is also healthy. It contains fibre that promote digestion and up to 40 different antioxidants. These plant products, polyphenols, are primarily found in the hard seed casing. They catch free radicals responsible for the aging process in the skin, among others.

Popcorn provides more cell protection than fruit and vegetables

Due to its low water content, popcorn even contains a higher concentration of cell-protecting polyphenols than in the same amount of fruit and vegetables. This surprising conclusion was reached by chemists at the University of Scranton in the American state of Pennsylvania during a study published in 2012. One serving of popcorn contains up to 300 milligrammes of these healthy substances. That is almost twice as much as in the same amount of fruit and vegetables. However, the head of the study Professor Joe Vinson emphasises that eating fresh fruit is still absolutely necessary. They contain vitamins and minerals not stored in corn kernels. Still, popcorn is a perfect snack, at least when made without oil and sugar, such as when using hot air.

Popcorn: A universally popular snack with a long tradition

Popcorn originated in the Americas. Popped corn kernels were presumably popular among the indigenous populations. In any event popped corn kernels alleged to be at least 4,000 years old have been discovered during excavations. It is not yet clear whether they were used solely as food or for ritual purposes as well. However, it is uncontested that popcorn was truly popular in the 1930s. During this economically critical era popcorn was a luxury people could afford, turning it into the number one snack - parallel to the ever more popular pastime of going to the cinema.