Pop Goes the Perfect Snack

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As avid film buffs we think that nothing compares to catching a new release on the big screen while munching on a large tub of the theater's finest. It seems we're not alone, according to the National Popcorn Board, the average American consumes 52 quarts of popcorn per year.  

Today is National Popcorn Day, so we thought we'd take a closer look at our favorite crunchy corn snack.

Popcorn has been around since ancient times where it was both served as food and used as a decorative item.  Early Native Americans believed that a spirit lived inside each kernel.  As the kernel was heated, the spirit grew angry causing the popcorn to explode.  

Of course, we know the corn isn't really a grumpy grain, in reality the kernel contains a small amount of water, which becomes steam when heated, causing the thin shell to burst open.

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Popping the perfect bowl of popcorn at home begins with the prep work.  The pan should always be preheated before the oil is added.  After the oil is added and heated to between 400 - 500 degrees, drop two kernels in.  If the kernels immediately sizzle, add the rest of the kernels and prepare to pop. The kernels that don't pop, also known as old maids, did not have enough moisture and should be discarded.

​You can pop the perfect batch on your stovetop, but sometimes nothing beats that theater popped taste, so why not rent your own machine?  

Phoenix party rental company Arizona Bounce Around, will rent you a popcorn machine and supplies for fifty servings of popcorn for just $59.95. 

If you prefer your popcorn with a little punch, stop in at local favorite Poppa Maize - rumored to be opening a second location in Tempe soon - and sample one of 21 different flavors, like Chili Lime and S'mores.

With the holidays finally over, January is all about cutting back and taking a healthy approach to our snacking habits. Lucky for us, when prepared properly, popcorn can be a great low-calorie whole-grain snack. 

Though to be honest, we still like to drizzle a little butter on ours.  But don't tell the kernels, we wouldn't want to make them mad.