Popcorn is an American institution. Very few things are as ubiquitous, as universal, and as healthy as popcorn. It is a food that is enjoyed on many occasions. From moviegoers asking for extra butter to sunbathers enjoying its crunch with their beers. From birthday party planners who rely on it for finger food to families snuggling together in front of a movie, popcorn is a food to share.
There’s a lot of talk about gourmet popcorn, but there’s no real definition of what exactly it is. There are qualities that gourmet popcorn and gourmet popcorn companies share, and there are traits that set some types of gourmet flavored popcorn apart from the rest of the pack. This article explores three of those traits to help you find great popcorn at a great price.
A wealth of flavors
One thing all gourmet flavored popcorn companies share is a love of trying to infuse their product with new and interesting flavors. Gone are the days when your only options for popcorn were plain, buttered, cheddar or caramel. Gourmet popcorn makers are constantly pushing the limits as they try to find the next great flavor.
Some of the newer popcorn flavors are spicy like cinnamon and jalapeno. Some flavors are sweet like chocolate and almond nut. And some flavors are strange, unique flavors that aren’t meant to stick around for more than a season or two. It seems that a large part of what makes popcorn gourmet is a willingness on the part of the manufacturer to go further and expand their line of popcorn to include new and interesting entrees.
painstaking construction
Perhaps the most important thing about gourmet flavored popcorn is its construction, or how it’s made. The methods used to pop the corn and add the flavor to it will have a big influence on the outcome of the popcorn.
Air popping on high heat is the best and most efficient way to make delicious, fluffy popcorn. However, it is also very important to use high-quality natural popcorn. Gourmet flavored popcorn toppings are almost always placed immediately after the popcorn is popped. This ensures that the flavors and toppings stick together as everything cools.
Gourmet is healthier
Perhaps the biggest difference between gourmet popcorn and store-bought or microwave popcorn is the nutritional values of all three options. Both store-bought and microwave popcorn is typically loaded with preservatives and has ingredients added for both cooking and flavor. These ingredients make these varieties richer in salts and sugars.
Gourmet varieties, on the other hand, generally don’t add more than natural flavors. This means they have less salt and sugar, are a good source of fiber, and a healthy snack. However, always make sure to check that the popcorn you buy is made from natural popcorn and is healthy for both you and your family.
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