Popcorn contains more iron than eggs, spinach, peanuts, or roast beef. (Source: National Popcorn Institute)
The oldest ears of popcorn ever found were discovered in the Bat Cave of west central New Mexico in 1948 and 1950. Ranging from smaller than a penny to about 2 inches, the oldest Bat Cave ears are about 4,000 years old. (Source: National Popcorn Institute)
Popcorn is low in calories -- only 31-55 calories in one cup of unbuttered, and when lightly buttered, one cup still only has 133 calories. (Source: National Popcorn Institute)
Americans today consume 17 billion quarts of popped popcorn each year. The average American eats about 58 quarts of Popcorn. (Source: National Popcorn Institute)
Charles Cretors, founder of C. Cretors and Company in Chicago, introduced the world's first mobile popcorn machine at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. (Source: National Popcorn Institute)
Nutritious, low-calorie, and crunchy, popcorn naturally appeals to all ages. Primarily a carbohydrate, it contains a surprising number of nutrients and is a ready source of energy. All popcorn does not taste the same. Each variety is enhanced with its own subtle flavor.
The most popular stories of popcorn were those among Europeans coming to North America, met by Native Americans adorned with necklaces and headdresses made of popcorn. Native Americans brought a bag of popcorn to the first Thanksgiving dinner and later colonists enjoyed popcorn as a puffed breakfast cereal served with cream or milk.
Which popcorn is the best?
There is not a standard answer because it depends on end use of the product. All of our varieties serve a specific end use. Platinum bulk popcorn is best for concessions because of high # of servings per unit. It is an excellent choice for theaters, ball parks, or even high school concessions stand. Gold popcorn is best for its large flake size, taste, and eye appeal. Gold kernels are larger in size than platinum kernels. Silver popcorn is the best value in a price sensitive market. Mushroom is best for processing and the addition of flavored coatings.
What is Mushroom?
The primary difference between mushroom popcorn and butterfly popcorn is the shape of the popped kernel. A mushroom kernel is round in shape like a baseball. Mushroom is best suited for adding coatings such as caramel, cheese, or even chocolate. The reason is that this kernel has more surface area for the flavorings to attach. Kernel sizes are often large which results in a large flake size (the popped kernel). Therefore by pure physics, mushroom popcorn expands lower than butterfly popcorn. The round balls fit tightly together and therefore create less volume in the bag. However, this is an advantage for processors because it adds weight or density to the retail product. Popcorn is the LEAST expensive element in a flavored retail product. So, mushroom is better for flavored products.
Do you pop mushroom popcorn the same as you pop butterfly popcorn?
Mushroom requires a higher temperature in order to achieve the best results. Mushroom popcorn pops best when using hot air of dry flow-through machines. Mushroom can be popped in hot oil, but a lower percentage of ball-shaped kernels will result.
What is the best way to store my popcorn?
Popcorn pops best when it maintains a percentage of moisture near 13.5% to 14%. Popcorn kernels are a little bit like a sponge. If the humidity around it is 60% or higher, the popcorn will take in moisture, possibly causing it to mold. If the humidity is 50% or less, the popcorn will dry out, hindering its ability to pop. Therefore, a sealed container is best for maintaining a more constant moisture content.
