Popcorn: what to make, useful properties and contraindications.

It's hard to imagine a movie without a bucket of popcorn. This is a necessary, one might say, classic, "accessory" of a pleasant holiday with friends or family. Both adults and children love tasty popcorn. Manufacturers are constantly offering new flavors to satisfy a wide variety of requests.

What is popcorn

Air corn or popcorn is a dish that is prepared with the heat treatment of corn kernels of a certain variety. Under the influence of high temperature, the walls of the kernels burst or, as they are called, "explode". This mass retains its shape, making the volume of popcorn much larger than the size of the kernels. It is served with a variety of additives, both sweet and savory.

What is it made of

Traditionally popcorn is made of corn of different kinds. The seeds of the right kind of corn contain a drop of water with starch. Under the influence of high temperature, the water is heated, turning into steam, which begins to press on the walls of the grain and tear it from the inside.

What kind of corn is suitable for popcorn

The right ratio of starch to water "guarantees the explosion" of corn, turning it into delicious popcorn. This requires special varieties that have a hard and glassy shell. The remains of the shell remain on the final product, which adds to its appetizing appearance.

The right grain for popcorn is distinguished by a number of features:

• thin walls, which should burst easily;
• varnished surface, which in places remains on the finished product;
• low percentage of starch;
• high fat and protein content.

But the most important thing is the "right" amount of water contained in the grain. If it is lacking, the explosion is impossible. At the same time, excessive moisture in the grain will lead to the fact that it will require too high temperature to make popcorn.

Corn varieties for popcorn

To make popcorn, several proven varieties are used that meet all the necessary requirements:

1. Red popcorn. Its kernels are characterized by a rich hue similar to mahogany.
2. Gostinette. The most undemanding variety in care, and therefore often used. Its grains have a uniform yellow hue.
3. Lopay-Lopay. Distinguished by a fairly large cob (18-21 cm). The grains themselves are painted a sunny yellow color. The shape is long and fairly wide. They have a pleasant sweet taste.
4. Volcano. This variety of corn is characterized by grains similar in shape to rice. Their color can vary from pale yellow to bright rich. Popcorn lovers appreciate this variety for its excellent taste qualities. The cobs are quite large and completely filled with seeds. Each cob yields up to 120 grams of selected grains.
5. Granddaughter's Joy. Used rarely, as the variety is quite capricious. Grains are small, pale orange in color.

All of the above varieties are suitable for independent cultivation, and then the preparation of delicious airy corn at home.

History of appearance

According to legend, popcorn originated in the times of the Indians, who cooked it on a fire in clay pots. With the advent of the British colonies, the recipe for cooking an unusual dish was adopted by the first settlers. Industrial production of popcorn dates back to 1886, and the process was launched in Chicago. Supplementing watching movies with a crunchy dish began in 1912, which can be considered a landmark for movie buffs and popcorn lovers.

Which is more harmful: chips or popcorn

Unlike "quick" snacks like chips, popcorn is considered virtually harmless, especially if no additives are used. Pure "empty" popcorn, without additives, salt, sugar and oil, is a preferable snack to chips, even for those who want to lose excess weight.

American scientists, conducting a number of experiments, proved that popcorn is a healthier option for a light snack than potato chips.

Composition and calories

The caloric value of popcorn, first of all, depends on the way it is prepared. If oil or other additives are used, the level of fats and carbohydrates increases significantly, and, accordingly, the caloric value of the product increases. For example, the sweet version with the addition of caramel (one of the most popular) has 420 kcal per 100 grams. The caloric value of salted popcorn does not exceed 400 kcal. The highest figure has cheese popcorn or with the addition of butter - in this case the figure is about 500 kcal.

The main composition of corn kernels is fast carbohydrates. The ratio of the other components is as follows:

• Protein - 8.1.
• Carbohydrates - 63.7.
• Fats - 6.5.

Of course, popcorn is considered a high-calorie snack and can harm the figure, but if you consume this product without additives that increase its energy value, the harmful effects can almost be reduced to zero.

The vitamin composition is represented mostly by the B-group. Thus, popcorn is rich in fiber and potassium, polyphenol, a chemical compound that has antioxidant properties. Also air corn is a storehouse of such useful trace elements as: Na, P, Mg, Zn, Fe, etc.

What is popcorn good for?

This product is useful due to the composition of corn kernels, which are a valuable source of vitamins, calcium and fiber. The grain product itself is considered low-calorie, but at the same time nutritious and quickly satisfies hunger. Of course, this only applies to popcorn without additives, which not only add calories to it, but are also considered harmful. They contain artificial colors and flavor enhancers, which not only do not benefit, but also are addictive.

Another significant factor is the method of opening the grain. The safest is considered the method of air opening, when the fruits of corn are opened with hot air, without the intervention of "harmful" production.

Consumption of properly cooked popcorn can be compared to corn, which brings undoubted benefits to the body, namely:

• promotes proper bowel function;
• helps reduce blood sugar levels;
• Improves skin and hair;
• acts as a natural antioxidant.

In addition, eating nutritious airy corn has a positive effect on the nervous system and accelerates metabolic processes in the body. The latter is especially highlighted by people who want to lose weight. By the way, Madonna used popcorn as a diet food and was satisfied with the results obtained.

Can popcorn for pregnant and lactating women

Doctors do not recommend eating store-bought popcorn for pregnant and nursing mothers, even the product cooked at home is prohibited. During this period, the woman's body is weakened, so doctors recommend that she consume only natural food.

Popcorn contains sodium glutamate, which jeopardizes the health of the expectant mother and baby. Salt retains fluid in the body, causing water imbalance, which negatively affects the kidneys. A high sugar content has a negative effect on the pancreas. Therefore, it is not recommended for regular use by young children, nursing and pregnant women, as it can provoke a number of serious diseases.

At what age can children popcorn

Children's bodies are extremely susceptible to food, especially in the first two years of life. Doctors strongly advise to make the child's diet useful and varied, and most importantly - saturated with the right vitamins for growth and development. Therefore, not all adult foods are suitable for young children.

Popcorn is no exception, its composition and method of preparation are not suitable for a child's weak stomach. Therefore, it is possible to pamper the baby with a tasty treat once in a while from the age of 4 years, not earlier. This is mainly due to the fiber, which is part of the corn, and, accordingly, popcorn. It can lead to digestive disorders and cause diarrhea in young children.

Can you eat popcorn while losing weight?

With limited consumption of popcorn, it is quite possible to use it as a snack when dieting. Of course, we are talking only about the "pure" product, without additional additives in the form of caramel, chocolate or salty flavor enhancers. It is these that increase the caloric content of popcorn and delay the weight loss process.

An additional bonus, thanks to which it can be included in a diet menu, is the high fiber content. It effectively fights toxins and impurities, cleaning the body from their harmful effects and increasing the metabolic rate, and it is directly linked to the weight loss process.

Popcorn in medicine

If we consider only the composition of the product, it can not cause harm to health, and even on the contrary - can bring undoubted benefits. But we are talking only about the most airy corn without additives, and such variants can rarely be found on sale.

Important! Industrial popcorn contains diacetyl, which has a negative effect on the body, leading to respiratory diseases. Often it is even contained in bags of corn, which are sold for self-cooking in the microwave.

For Diabetes Mellitus.

Only popcorn prepared at home, which excludes harmful additives, is allowed. Cooked in this way airy corn is nutritious and helps to lower blood glucose. In addition, it speeds up the metabolism due to its low glycemic index.

In pancreatitis

Consumption of any corn products in this disease should be in limited quantities and only self-cooked, as the fiber contained in popcorn is quite difficult for the stomach, especially weakened by the disease.

With gastritis

In order not to provoke acute attacks and not to aggravate the disease, you should forget about regular intake of popcorn. Sometimes you can afford a small amount of the product, but only if it is homemade, excluding harmful industrial additives.

With constipation.

If properly prepared, this corn product can even help in the fight against regular stool disorders. Fiber cleanses the body well, acting as a laxative. Of course, it is worth taking into account the individual reaction of the body to the product.

In case of gout

Fiber helps to remove salts from the body, and gout is nothing but their deposition in certain places. So eating popcorn in its pure form will have a good effect on the general condition of the body and will not aggravate the disease.

In cholecystitis.

The diet in this disease involves a fractional system of food, at least 5-6 times a day, which means - you need to make small snacks. Natural popcorn is an excellent option for a nutritious snack that you can take with you. The main condition remains unchanged - cook it yourself from quality grains, the origin of which guarantees the exclusion of any additives and treatments.

Harms and contraindications

The main disadvantage of popcorn is the manufacturing process, which contains a number of harmful additives. Fans of ready-to-eat air corn should pay attention to the main features of the process.

1. Popcorn machines use a special oil, which is very harmful to the body, to give it the flavor that is so attractive to the consumer.
2. Chemical additives and flavor enhancers in regular popcorn consumption cause allergies and digestive disorders in children.
3. Salty popcorn retains water in the body, provoking attacks of thirst and edema.
4. Sugary products are harmful because of their caloric content, especially for people who are overweight. They are also forbidden for those who suffer from diabetes.
5. Popcorn semi-finished products, which are sold for self-cooking, also contain harmful additives. Microwave is suitable for its preparation, and this method kills all the useful properties of the grains, in addition, microwaves have a negative impact on health.

Can you get poisoned by popcorn

If the product is poorly prepared or the shelf life of the main raw material is violated, the threat of poisoning exists. When buying it, it is worth carefully studying the composition and expiration date of the product in order to avoid negative consequences. It can be completely excluded only by making popcorn yourself from naturally grown grain.

How to make popcorn at home

You can cook your own popcorn in several ways:

• In a pan on a regular stove;
• in a microwave oven;
• With the help of special equipment.

The machine for making popcorn is very convenient to use. It heats corn kernels evenly and does not consume much oil. In a few minutes this machine allows you to prepare airy corn, containing no harmful food additives.

The only downside to this machine is the cost of purchasing it, and the need to purchase a non-stick additive, without which the sugar added to the corn can ruin the appliance.

In the microwave.

For this purpose, a semi-finished product, which is packaged in special packages, is suitable. It is placed in the oven and cooked for a few minutes. Quick and easy!

On the griddle

A container with high sides and preferably a glass lid is used, so you can watch the process. Pour a small amount of refined oil on the bottom and pour out the seeds. On top cover tightly with a lid. When the grains start to explode, turn off the gas. You can remove the lid only when all the grains are cracked.

In a multicooker

The process is similar to cooking on the stove. The only difference is that there is no possibility to observe the cooking, so you should follow the instructions clearly. As a base you can use any kind of corn kernels, coconut oil or corn oil, only refined. Select the "frying" or "boiling" mode for cooking. Popcorn is ready when the characteristic popping sounds stop when the kernels open.

How to make sweet popcorn

To make sweet popcorn it is best to use powdered sugar. It is very sweet and can be used in small quantities. You can also use hot chocolate or caramel, they are put separately and used on the principle of fondue.

How to make popcorn from buckwheat

Not only corn, but also buckwheat is suitable for making popcorn. For this purpose, use the so-called air buckwheat, which can be purchased in the supermarket. It is prepared according to the same principle as corn.

Buckwheat can be cooked by yourself. For this purpose it is first boiled until half-boiled, and then dried in the oven. After that, you can make healthy popcorn.

Can popcorn be cooked in the oven

The oven is also suitable for cooking, especially an electric oven with a clear temperature setting. This is a key factor for the final result. The oven must be heated evenly to ensure the quality opening of the kernels. For cooking you will need a special heat-resistant container, deep enough, with a tightly closing lid. The whole process takes no more than 20 minutes.

Shelf life of popcorn

Popcorn is stored depending on its preparation. For example, if the corn was cooked in palm oil, then the finished product can be stored for 12 months. This period is often indicated by many manufacturers, which indicates the quality of the product.

When refined sunflower oil is used for cooking, the shelf life is significantly reduced - up to 4 months. If you choose ready-made popcorn, it is better to stop at this option. You can store the homemade product for 1-2 days, as long as it retains its useful properties. In addition, it quickly loses its characteristic crunchy effect, as it is too susceptible to moisture.

Can we give popcorn to pets?

It is not advisable to feed pets human food, especially that prepared in a non-traditional way. Nuts, chips and popcorn are not good for pets of any age, and even harm little ones. They may choke on large pieces.

Interesting facts about popcorn

This dish has a long and interesting history, as you can be convinced by reading some curious facts about popcorn.

1. The first machine to make popcorn was invented in Chicago in 1885. It was made by Charlie Critters. The machine in the form of a cart moved easily through the streets, and the seller offered a delicious unusual treat to strollers.
2. It was popcorn that contributed to the invention of the microwave. It happened in 1945 when Percy Spencer, conducting a series of experiments with corn kernels, saw that they "explode" from the emission of characteristic waves in the same way as when heated on the stove.
3. American merchants have been selling popcorn since the end of the 19th century. And a few years later they decided to add popcorn to the movie theater experience.
4. In Russia popcorn appeared only in 1946, and the delivery was made directly from the US.
5. An interesting observation was made by cinema workers. According to them, when watching thrillers and horror movies twice as much popcorn is eaten as when watching light entertainment movie genres.
6. January 19 is considered National Popcorn Day in the United States. The fun holiday has been gladly adopted by the inhabitants of Great Britain as well, believing that they have a direct relation to the history of popcorn's creation. Perhaps it was their ancestors who discovered this culture that made popcorn an indispensable attribute of enjoyable trips to the movies.

Popcorn Photo