Popcorn is over 5,000 years old? What! I had no idea. Of course protein is much older and essential for good nutrition. So what if you could combine the two? Well, someone has. It is called Protein Popcorn and indeed, this a new innovation. For years popcorn has been viewed as one of the healthier snacks. Now with 5 or 6 grams of protein per serving, this snack takes it to a whole new level.
Yet, I’m still stuck on the over 5,000 years old bit. So, curiosity got the best of me and I just had to do some research on popcorn and its origins. First of all, the typical corn that we eat cannot be used for popcorn. It appears that only one variety of maize will pop and turn into this famous snack. It is called Zae Mays Everta. The kernel of this type of maize has an extremely hard outer shell. However, once heated the moisture within becomes steam and pressure cooks the kernel from the inside out. The hard outer kernel will reach a point at which it breaks or “pops” and what’s left is the puffy inner part that we know as popcorn.
From An Ancient Food to a Popular Snack
There are several varieties of corn. The type of Maize that can be made into popcorn was cultivated for food by Pre-Columbian indigenous people over 5,000 years ago. Although it is not exactly known as to what method they used to pop the kernels, it was definitely an integral part of their food supply. Who knows, perhaps the first popped kernel happened completely by accident.
When and how the American settlers learned to pop corn kernels is not exactly known. However, by the 1820s it was for sale throughout the eastern United States. Over the years it has made its way around the world. During the Great Depression popcorn became even more popular as it was affordable for most families. Even movie theaters installed popcorn machines to the delight of their patrons during that time. That was 100 years ago and popcorn and movie theaters still go hand-in-hand.
Interesting Popcorn Facts
- Popcorn was often eaten as a cereal with milk and sugar during the 1800s. Ugh, no thank you!
- In 1885, Charles Cretors invented the first commercial popcorn machine.
- There was a temporary ban on popcorn in movie theaters in 1949 because it was thought to be too noisy.
- Watch out! Popping kernels can fly as far as 3 feet in distance.
- In 1982 Pillsbury invented the first microwaveable popcorn.
- Popcorn is non-GMO and gluten free.
Fascinating stuff, but back to our Protein Popcorn.
Why Protein Popcorn?
Healthy snacks are not that easy to find. Consequently, this was the motivation for the founders of the first Protein Popcorn. They managed to create a kettle popped, guilt free snack with only quality all-natural ingredients. This farm to bag popcorn is infused with protein, resulting in a healthy, flavorful snack. How does Sweet and Salty, White Cheddar or Garlic Parmesan sound? These are the three flavor choices that you will find. Each bag has 2 servings and a serving has 150 calories and 5 or 6 grams of protein, depending on the flavor.
How can I get some Protein Popcorn?
Now here’s the easy part. You can have this treat delivered right to your home or office if you live in the US or Canada. There are 3 sizes to choose from: There’s a 6 pack, a 12 pack, and a 24 pack. How yummy is it? Well, you’ll just have to go here and try some. In addition, here are some other healthy eats that you also might want to include on your menu.
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