I Love Popcorn !

Popcorn is one of the world's favorite snacks. And guess what? Most of the popcorn in the world is grown right here in the good old U.S.A. In 2001 alone, the U.S. exported 229 million pounds of popcorn!

Popcorn is a source of fiber, also known as roughage. Popcorn is low in calories: 31 - 55 per cup of unbuttered, 133 calories lightly buttered.

Popcorn is sugar free and fat free, yet has energy-producing carbohydrates. It's great for between meal snacks as it does not overfill you or spoil your appetite. And did you know that there are dozens of ways to make popcorn other than just plain popped?

Popcorn Recipes

Popcorn has the ability to pop because it contains a small amount of water stored in a circle of soft starch. When the popcorn is heated the water expands, and the pressure inside the hard casing causes it to pop. The kernel turns inside out and the water escapes as steam.

Kernels that have not popped are called "old maids." They do not have enough water to create the pressure needed to pop. They can, however, be rejuvenated by putting them in a jar with a teaspoon of water. Cover and shake every five to ten minutes until all the water is absorbed. Set them aside for two to four days. Now they will pop!

Americans eat about 59 quarts of popcorn per man, women and child each year. Approximately 70 percent is bought at retail stores in both raw and popped form, and then eaten at home. The rest pops up nearly any place associated with fun, food and/or fitness. Movie theaters, sporting events, entertainment arenas, amusement parks and other places where large crowds are likely to gather just wouldn't seem the same without a tasty popped treat.

The National Cancer Institute suggests fiber in the diet to reduce the chances of developing some forms of cancer. The American Dietetic Association recommends popcorn as a high fiber snack food in their list of "ten great ways to fiber up!" The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research lists popcorn as a smart, low/no sugar snack. Experts seem to agree. Popcorn is an all -around "good" food: healthy, economical and tasty.

Safety Note: Popcorn is a healthful and delicious snack choice when prepared with low-fat ingredients. It is never recommended for infants or toddlers, as the kernels may pose a choking threat to their safety.