3 Steps to Making Healthy Popcorn
I love popcorn.
When we lived in the US it was often the best part of going to the ‘movies’.
The same is not true here in France. For some reason known only to the French, they like sweet popcorn.
Not caramel corn, which I also love, but just sweet.
To be honest the very thought has put me off so much that I haven’t even tried it.
Instead I make my own…. when I can find the kernels, which also isn’t easy. But I do try to find them for our holiday movies.
When I was asked to do a guest post on popcorn and popcorn poppers the timing seemed just right.
A roaring fire, a good movie and a big bowl of popcorn on a cold winter’s night – perfect!
3 Steps to Making Healthy Popcorn
People who love watching movies or going to the cinema love to eat popcorn as a snack, which in most cases enhances the movie experience. The methods of making popcorn have been changing over the years and today people have found ways to make popcorn healthy. The thing that most people do not know is that popcorn, if prepared right is much healthier than most fruits and vegetables. This is because it’s one of the leading sources of antioxidants. There is also a wide variety of popcorn available in stores and one has the flexibility to choose. Making healthy popcorn is quite simple and anyone can make popcorn using a hot air popcorn machine.
- Use whole grain kernels
There is a wide variety of corn available for making popcorn, some of which are usually processed. Processed corn has some of the most beneficial things removed and that’s why it’s not advisable to use this kind. When you are looking to make healthy popcorn it’s important to use whole grain kernels. The reason for this is that they offer maximum health benefits. The good thing about using whole grain kernels is that they contain endosperm, bran, and germ which are beneficial. The other advantage is that whole grains contain the healthy vitamins E and B which are essential to the body. They also offer healthy oils and provides a great source of fiber.
- Use Parmesan and Rosemary
Another way that you can make healthy popcorn is to use Parmesan and rosemary. To do this when you are making popcorn you can incorporate fresh rosemary, grated Parmesan and also freshly ground black pepper. The process needs to be monitored as you need to regulate the heat balancing from high to low heat as the popcorn gets ready. It’s important to switch off the heat and let it cool for a while as the popcorn is popping. Air popping is the best way to pop popcorn.
- Choose the oil carefully
Another way of making healthy popcorn is choosing the right kind of oil. There are many types of oils out there so it’s important to check the source of oil. The best kind of oil to use includes; canola oil, avocado oil, virgin olive oil and walnut oil. The good thing about using these kinds of oil is that they are not saturated with high-fat content. The kinds of oils that you need to avoid are soybean oil, corn oil, and sunflower oil. If you are using wheat germ oil which is another popular choice for oil, it should not be heated. This means that depending on the kind of oil you use, you need to first take time to understand its properties. In choosing oil it’s important to avoid butter as it contains more calories. Another important thing to note about oil is that it’s much healthier to pop in oil as compared to other forms of popping.
Sweet popcorn doesn’t appeal to me but I am going to try the Parmesan Rosemary……
I admit, I am a useless fribble when it comes to making popcorn. We toss a bag of microwave popcorn in and have at it. Might not be so healthy, but we so very rarely eat it that I’m not too worried. When I was a kid, popcorn on the stove was the only option, but I’m too lazy now.
I like caramel corn, once in awhile, but just sweet does not appeal to me at all.
My father made popcorn on the stove every Fri. night in winter. We have it now, maybe, once a year. but I still love it. My mother made caramel corn for Christmas every year. Me? Never….
Are you investing in a Hot Air Popcorn Machine ?
Pop it in hot air…. then drown it in butter No new toys for me at the moment lol
We like to pop it the old fashioned way in Olive Oil. Then we add melted butter, salt and brewers yeast.
Best way to mix it is by placing in a large paper grocery bag. One person shakes the open bag while the other person dribbles in the butter and then addsthe salt and the yeast flakes. A healthy alternative to butter and salt is to use ‘Braggs Liquid Aminos’ and brewers yeast.
There is no alternative to butter and salt on popcorn. Period.
We don’t have paper bags here. Or plastic… we bring our own. lol