Yes, there really is a day of the year that is set aside to celebrate popcorn and the love of this light crunchy snack and that day is today! So, if you are in the mood for something crunchy that is salty or sweet you are in luck because that is what we will be talking about in this post. Popcorn Lover’s Day is of course not an official holiday. It is not likely even a day most people have heard of, but we can help change that by spreading the word today. This day, in honor of popcorn, was created by an American popcorn lover, Bob Matthews. It is a special day that was just created in the last few years. It is a holiday that is to be celebrated every second Thursday in March.
So, how does one celebrate Popcorn Lovers day? Your guess is as good as mine, but I think you celebrate by eating popcorn! Whether you make your popcorn in the microwave, in an air popper, on the stove or over a fire, enjoy some popcorn today. Learning a few facts about popcorn wouldn’t be a bad way to commemorate this day either. So, below are some fun facts about popcorn and also a recipe for making “the perfect popcorn.”
Fun facts about popcorn
- Corn (and therefore popcorn) is a native food of North America
- An American Indian folktale states that happy spirits lived inside of each popcorn kernel, but when their houses were heated, the spirits become angry, shaking the kernels, and when the heat became unbearable, they burst out of their homes and into the air in a an unhappy puff of steam.
- Archaeologists have found ears of popcorn that are nearly 5,600 years old. Popcorn lovers have been around for a long time!
- Christopher Columbus is believed to have introduced popcorn to Europeans in the late 15th century.
- Most of the world’s popcorn is grown in the Midwestern part of the United States
- A kernel of popcorn will generally pop when it reaches 347 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
- Popcorn kernels can pop up to 3 feet in the air!
Now, here is how to make some delicious popcorn.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons oil
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Directions:
Place the oil, popcorn, and salt in a large metal mixing bowl. Cover with aluminum foil and poke 10 holes in the foil with a knife.
Place the bowl on the stove over medium heat and shake constantly using a pair of tongs or oven mitts while holding the bowl. Shake until the popcorn stops popping (approximately 3 minutes).
Remove the bowl from the heat and carefully take off the foil. Stir in any salt that is on the side of the bowl.
Melt the 3 tablespoons of butter. Slowly pour the butter over the popcorn, while turning the bowl. Serve immediately.
Here is a link to the full recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/perfect-popcorn-recipe/index.html?oc=linkback
I hope today you enjoy some popcorn, either sugary or salty, or any way you want!
