Popcorn is one of the healthiest and most popular snacks so it’s great to have a day to celebrate it! As you pop your popcorn here are some facts to ponder:
1.Popcorn is an oldie but goodie! This irresistible and simple snack dates back to Pre-Columbus indigenous times. According to Popcorn.Org, Natives in the West Indies used popcorn for food and decorations. The Aztecs wore popcorn necklaces in 1519 and writings from Peruvian Indians dating back to 1650 detail how they used popcorn. PBS Food says popcorn showed up in the American Southwest over 2500 years ago. It started growing east of the Mississippi in the early 1800’s and today the Midwest is known as the Corn Belt.
2. Americans love popcorn! Americans eat 13 billion quarts of popcorn every year – more than any other country!!
The Popcorn Institute reports we love to eat popcorn most at home! 70% is eaten at home and 30% at theaters, stadiums, schools, etc
3. Nebraska grows the most popcorn. In fact, a majority of the popcorn produced in the world is in grown in the U.S.
4. Microwave popcorn becomes a big deal in the 80’s! Today more than 80% of U.S. households have microwaves and it’s not uncommon to have a specific popcorn setting on the appliance.
5. Popcorn is a low-calorie food!Popcorn can be a healthy snack, especially if air popped which has just 31 calories per cup. Popcorn is full of beneficial fiber and eaten as is, popcorn is naturally dairy free too!
Here are some of my favorite ways to top popcorn and still keep it dairy free:
>>> Melt coconut oil and spread on top of the popcorn, then sprinkle with nutritional yeast.
>>> Make it spicy! Top popcorn with hot sauce!
>>> Popcorn is easy to air pop and throw into baggies with nuts, coconut pieces and dried fruit for an easy, healthy and portable snack.
>>> Check out the Everything Bagel Seasoning from Trader Joe’s — it’s a great popcorn topper!
Here’s to a big bowl of Popcorn tonight – enjoy!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy popcorn? Share your thoughts and ideas below in our comment section.
