Popcorn Facts

Want the cold hard facts about popcorn?

Have you ever wondered what unpopped kernels are called? Or, is it just a myth that popcorn really is healthy for us to munch on?

Get the scoop on this captivating snack with some mind-blowing information that you never knew, and other random corny stuff that you might already have known.

Don't worry, we will skip most of all the boring details and cut right to the chase. We're just going to keep it simple and straight to the point. Besides, I'm assuming that you just want some of the best facts about this delicious snack, not a freaking history lesson, am I right?

However, I will sprinkle a few noteworthy links throughout this page leading to some of our other articles of interest for those of you looking for more in-depth information about the following popcorn facts.

Fascinating Facts About Popcorn

1. The world consumes more than 17 billion quarts of popped popcorn a year.

2. The scientific name for popcorn is Zea Mays Everta, which is a type of maize (corn).

3. Maize is the 2nd largest crop farmed in the world, and the largest in the U.S.

4. On average, a kernel will pop when it reaches 374° F.

5. Kernels need between 13.5% to 14% moisture to pop.

6. There's 6 main types of maize, but only popcorn pops.

7. Popcorn existed as early as 4700 B.C. in Peru.

8. The oldest ear of popcorn was found in a bat cave in Mexico in 1948. It is believed to be over 5,000 years old.

9. A 1,000 year old kernel was found in a cave in Utah.

10. Microwave popcorn was invented merely by accident by Percy Spencer.

15 Popcorn Nutrition Facts

1. Lowers cholesterol levels.

2. Rich in antioxidants.

3. Assists in digestion.

4. Helps prevent cancer.

5. Aids in weight loss.

6. Controls blood sugars.

7. Non-GMO (genetically modified organism)

8. Vegan.

9. Gluten-free.

10. Sugar free.

11. Naturally low in fat.

12. Great amount or iron.

13. Excellent source of fiber.

14. Contains more protein than any other cereal grain.

15. Low in calories - 1 cup contains only about 30 calories.

10 FUN Facts About Popcorn

1. Kernels can pop up to 3 feet in the air when popped.

2. Kernels can usually pop up to 40 times their original size, typically between 20 - 50 times their size.

3. A popped kernel is called a flake.

4. The flakes' petals are known as wings.

5. There's 2 basic shapes of popped popcorn - snowflake and mushroom.

6. Unpopped kernels are known as "spinsters" or "old maids".

7. The world's largest popcorn ball is over 8 feet high and estimated to weigh around 9,370 pounds.

8. Popcorn is the official state snack food of Illinois.

9. National Popcorn Day is January 19th.

10. National Popcorn Popping Month is October.

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