Home Farm Herbery

Popcorn Pros and Cons

We eat a lot of popcorn at Home Farm Herbery and we have come down to just me now and I often eat popcorn for supper.

I worry about popcorn so I started doing some research about the pros and cons. The Pro part being I make several varieties of popcorn seasoning and sell it. The Con thing was regarding the microwave and the bag it comes in.

My research come across several items and of course one piece of information came from Dr. Oz who said, “The smell that first hits you when you open a bag of popcorn is perhaps one of the most satisfying, but it may be harmful to your health. He explained that the smell is actually a chemical called diacetyl, a synthetic butter flavoring added to the product.

People who work in the factories developed a problem called “popcorn lung” from inhaling the gases with the diacetyl in it. Dr. Oz said even people who make it frequently can develop lung problems. Another problem is PFOA, a chemical that lines the bag. He went on to say that 20 percent of this chemical in our bodies comes from microwave popcorn. It can cause thyroid issues, high cholesterol and bladder cancer.”

Just about every source I researched said the same thing.

There is good news for popcorn lovers. Instead, put organic kernels in a brown paper bag and lay it flat in the microwave. After a few minutes, you'll have the exact same product without all the dangerous chemicals.

For those who want something different just remember the old-fashioned crank-style popper wins hands-down then try the Whirley-Pop six-quart hand-cranked stovetop popcorn popper. I found one on Amazon.com for under $30.00. It's easy to use and to clean, and within minutes it makes popcorn that is fluffy and crispy, not chewy. You need to use only about one tablespoon of oil to make a full batch of popcorn (four to six quarts), so it's also low in fat. If you want no fat, air poppers are the right choice.

Fireplace poppers have a high romance quotient but tend to burn both kernels and popped corn. (Smoked salmon is one thing; smoked popcorn is another.) Whatever popper you use, keep popped corn crisp by uncovering the pan as soon as the popping stops. Then the escaping moisture won't settle back on the corn and make it soggy.

When you are going to use oil then consider Coconut or palm oil to give you the taste of movie popcorn, since those cholesterol-raising oils are what theaters used exclusively until 1994. That's when the Center for Science in the Public Interest blew the lid on the movie corn's fat content which showed about 80 grams of fat for a large tub. For something less artery-clogging, try canola oil. Its mild, clean taste doesn't overwhelm popcorn's natural flavor, and it has a medium to high smoking point, so there's little chance of scorching. It's also inexpensive. Most important, canola oil is low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fat, which helps reduce levels of (bad) LDL cholesterol. You might want to try olive oil, a nutritional equivalent of canola oil, because it is high in good monosaturated fat and gives popcorn a richer flavor, but olive oil has a low smoking point and tends to burn quickly. Corn and other vegetable oils don't offer the same nutritional advantages as olive or canola.

As to the popcorn itself all kernels tested were cooked in the crank popper with 1 tablespoon of oil per 1/2 cup of kernels. I vary between yellow popcorn and white popcorn.

Another Pro is why not try something different and less fattening on your popcorn such as Wasabi Popcorn Seasoning which might appeal to those want a great aroma and an intense, sharp and hot taste. 

Just click on the Wasabi Popcorn Seasoning words to take you where you can buy it. 

I love the Sea Salt with Black Pepper Popcorn Seasoning 

Many of our cheese loving friends order tons of White Cheddar Cheese Popcorn Seasoning .

Our Honey BBQ Popcorn Seasoning has a smoky, tangy and sweet flavor. 

Our chocolate lovers want Popcorn Seasoning Cocoa with Vanilla because it has a perfect blend of sweet from the cocoa and vanilla with a little bit of salt to balance out the flavors. 

So no matter what kind you like even it is the simple one with butter make your own popcorn to avoid trouble down the road. It may take a little longer, but it is fun and some of the old ways are good to bring back in order to keep your life healthy and happy

“Tread the earth lightly …and may the Creative Force always be with you.

Arlene Wright-Correll

Home Farm Herbery