10 Fun Popcorn Facts
October is National Popcorn Month
For more than 30 years, October has been celebrated as National Popcorn Poppin’ Month; however, it became “official” in 1999, when then-Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman proclaimed October as National Popcorn Poppin’ Month. Source: Popcorn.org
National Popcorn Day is January 19th
This time-honored treat can be sweet or savory, caramelized, buttered or plain, molded into a candied ball or tossed with nuts and chocolate. Enjoyed it on National Popcorn Day, January 19th. Source: National Day Calendar
Popcorn is Gluten-free
Corn is a whole-grain food, and all types of corn are gluten-free.
Old Maids
Unpopped kernels are called “old maids” or “spinsters.” There are two possible explanations for old maids. The first is that they don’t contain sufficient moisture to create an explosion; the second is that their outer coating (the hull) was damaged, so that steam escaped gradually, rather than with a pop. Source: How Stuff Works
Low-Calorie Snack
Popcorn is a whole grain and contains more fiber than many other popular snack foods. It is also high in volume, so it takes up a lot of space in your stomach, despite being relatively low in calories. Source: Healthline.com
Illinois Offical Snack
Popcorn is the official snack of Illinois. Since 1958 there has been an annual popcorn day Fact.
Two Shapes
Popcorn comes in two shapes: “snowflake” or “mushroom.” Movie theaters use “snowflake” shaped popcorn because it’s bigger.
17 Billion Quarts Eaten per Year
Americans eat around 17 billion quarts of popcorn every year. This amount would fill the Empire State Building 18 times. Source: Brandon de Hoyos ABC 13
Top Producers
The US Department of Agriculture reported that the state of Nebraska produces an estimated 250 million pounds of popcorn per year. Did you know in 2016 the state of Indiana produced nearly 500 million pounds of popcorn? The total crop value was $71.4 million. Source: usda.gov
The “Pop” in Popcorn
Popcorn pops because inside each kernel of popcorn is a tiny droplet of water surrounded by a hard shell called a hull. As the popcorn is heated, the water turns to steam, which builds pressure inside the kernel. Then the kernel pops. Source: Wonderopolis.org [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]