Prerna Porwal
Whenever you feel munching light snacks, one of the easy picks is Popcorns. Popcorn Kernels, popped corn or popcorn is simply a variety of corn kernel, which tends to expand and puffs up when subjected to pressure and heat. It’s a very popular foodstuff and gets ready easily and fast. Popcorns and movies share a healthy bond. If you haven’t had popcorn ever in life while watching a movie in theater, you seriously need a life!
Whether in cinema hall or at home, this is simply an irreplaceable snack in the Indian subcontinent. Also, when it is not loaded with a bunch of flavored ingredients, popcorn is a healthy snack and light treats to everyone.
I have compiled a list of 10 best brands of Popcorn kernels sources for your purchasing ease from my detailed analysis and research. Check out the further section to learn more.
Dunhill Desire kernel is a raw popcorn kernel packed in Mahuva district of Bhavnagar in Gujarat, India. These are packed hygienically in food grade standing pouches and available in different sizes as per consumer requirement. The Popcorn Kernels are unsalted and un-processed with artificial flavours, thus it has a great demand in this segment. I am rating this product as the best source for popcorn kernel purchase.
Positives:
- Rich in antioxidants and fiber content
- No strains of MSG and gluten-free
VGB’s Popcorn Kernels are fresh and crunchy makai kernels. Popcorn kernels are high in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and also polyphenol antioxidants. VGBNP Popcorn kernels are hygienically packed in food grade pouches and are pre cleaned and free of impurities like weevils and stones, unlike other products in the segment. You can use this product in a pressure cooker or in a microwave and enjoy the crunchy snack with your loved ones.
Positives:
- Rich in vitamin B and gluten-free product
- It has no saturated fats
- It has starchy endosperm (15-20% moisture)
- Shelf life of 6 months
Nature Vit Popcorn kernels are perfect munching snacks along with its Cheddar cheese powder. The yummy taste is simply irresistible. It is packed hygienically in a transparent zipper pouch and free of any preservatives.
Positives:
- It is gluten-free
- No added MSG
- Rich in fiber and antioxidants
Prizex Popcorn Kernels are free of saturated fats. Prizex is a quality oriented brand which produces supreme kernels without using any chemicals or pesticides during the crop growth. This organic product is packed with love and widely preferred by its customer base.
Positives:
- 100% organic popcorn kernels
- Shelf life of 12 months
Indiana brand is a product of Himalayan food and processing company. Indiana Popcorn kernels are rated as the best product in the segment by several review websites. The kernels are machine handled for maximum period in processing and hygienically packed. Indiana products are certified products and available on almost every ecommerce platform.
Positives:
- Undergoes best quality control process
- No MSG and gluten-free
Negatives:
- Slightly expensive
Dhawak is a newly launched brand from the Dwarkadhish Sales Corporation. Dhawak products have carved a way in the market by its excellent quality. Dhawak Popcorn kernels are pure and natural, hygienically packed and it undergoes strict quality tests before reaching your doorstep.
Crunch box popping corn is another treat to your taste buds. The brand is into organic cultivation and chemical-free processing of kernel seeds. The Popcorns kernels are packed in elegant food-grade pet jars and portray their product richness loud and clear.
Positives:
- Organic and gluten free
- Non-GMO product
- A free product offer on every purchase
Popcorn Fusion kernels are packed in sealed air-tight containers and supplied across various distribution channels. The kernel seeds are perfect for your movie night at home.
Positives:
- High in polyphenol antioxidants and minerals
- Packed in food grade pet jar
As the name suggests, any guesses for its product quality? Yes, these are organic popcorn kernels belonging to the firm Organic Purify. The popcorn kernels are packed in a transparent zip lock standing pouch and certified for its product quality.
Negatives:
- Complaints from consumers regarding some kernels not popping effectively
There are several health benefits of consuming popcorn kernels; one of the most important is associated with digestive health. Friends, you might now know that popcorn kernels are loaded with antioxidants, which enhance our metabolic activity and supply energy to the body. Also, it is advantageous to reduce stress and depression, control the sugar level, prevent aging issues, increase bone strength, avoid excess munching and food craving, reduce cholesterol levels, etc.
A brief summary of key benefits of your favorite popcorn kernels are:
Popcorn for controlling blood sugar level
Dietary fibre has a huge impact on blood sugar levels in the body. When the human body has plenty of fiber, the regulation of insulin and blood sugar is higher as compared to individuals with low amounts of fibre in their body. Popcorn kernels consist of important dietary fibres.
Popcorn kernels are beneficial to reduce the level of blood sugar, this fluctuated blood sugar is vital for any patient having diabetic issue and thus popcorn is highly recommended.
Improved digestive health
Popcorn kernel is perfect food for functioning of the digestive system; popcorn is rich in dietary fibre content, which assists in motion regularity. Also, it keeps you full throughout the day and avoids unnecessary intake of food. The high fibre promotes growth of healthy bacteria in the gut which is essential for proper digestion and resulting in a good immune system.
Antioxidants advantage
The golden yellowish popcorns have high amounts of carotenoids antioxidants, which have essential zeaxanthin and lutein. Well, these important antioxidants are advantageous in checking your eye health and prevent premature aging signs. It is also beneficial to fight inflammation issues, which causes several chronic disorders.
Source of Energy
Popcorn kernel consists of essential nutrients and Vitamins like vitamin B, B3 and B6, folate and pantothenic acid. The presence of Vitamin B in kernels helps in regulating functions in our body systems. Its pivotal role is producing energy and assists in metabolic activities.
Reduce anxiety and depression
As I said earlier, Popcorn kernels are rich in Vitamin B3 (niacin), and are highly advantageous in solving the issue of depression naturally. They are beneficial in preventing anxiety attacks and strokes, apart from reducing stress. That’s the reason, popcorn is well known as a Comfort snack!
Strengthen the bones:
Popcorn kernels consist of vital nutrients and minerals like iron, magnesium and phosphorus, which aids in strengthening of bones and assists in supporting the healthy bones, and functioning of many body cells.
Controls blood sugar:
Friends, Dietary fibers are necessary for controlling and maintaining blood sugar levels in our body. If our body has plenty of natural fiber, it helps to control the discharge and management of insulin and blood sugar levels effectively.
Popcorns are a rich source of essential dietary fibers.
Popcorn kernels are known to reduce blood sugar percentage in the body, this property is boon for people having diabetes issues, since fluctuations in blood sugar is helpful for patients.
P.S. Health experts recommend Popcorn for diabetic patients on a regular basis.
Combats tumour:
Popcorn kernels contain decent proportions of ferulic acid (also obtained from oats and rice) and are beneficial to demolish certain types of complex tumor cells in the body.
According to studies, Popcorns are also linked with prevention of cancer.
Prevents Aging
Popcorn kernels are regarded as anti aging foodstuff. Free radicals in the body are very dangerous. They are responsible for age related issues like wrinkles on face, age spots, weak muscle, Alzheimer’s disease, premature hair fall, and numerous issues which become prominent with aging.
Popcorn is helpful in making a person feel happy and healthy even in old age due to the presence of antioxidants which fight with free radicals in the body.
Lowers Cholesterol:
The whole grains of popcorn kernels contain a specific type of fibre which eliminates the excess cholesterol content accumulated in blood vessels walls and arteries; popcorn thus helps to reduce the high levels of cholesterol from your body. Popcorns also prevent occurrence of complex cardiovascular issues like heart attacks, atherosclerosis and also prevents strokes.
Relieves the issue of constipation
As we all know, popcorn is a whole grain, its insoluble fiber is useful to keep your digestive system in control and avoid constipation.
Experts have observed that individuals who consumed popcorn on a regular basis, observed a rise in their fiber content (approx 22%).
As a simple math, consuming excess fibre foods relieves acidity, stomach bloating and prevents constipation.
Popcorn kernel is a whole grain foodstuff and it contains high contents of important nutrients. 100 grams of fully popped popcorn serves approximately 387 calories of energy.
Popcorn is generally safe when consumed in optimum amounts in the diet. However, popcorns can cause allergies in some people. Care must be taken if any reaction arises after eating popcorn, like mouth swelling or any trouble in breathing.
Also, Popcorn is responsible for causing irritating symptoms among few people with complex inflammatory problems and thus it must be avoided.
1. Are popcorn kernels the same as corn kernels?
Not exactly, Popcorn kernels are different from regular corn kernels. Popcorn kernels are basically small and pointed in shape. Ironically there is only one variety of maize that will make it, called Zea mays everta. This variety of corn pops and is used as a delicious snack.
2. Is it OK to eat unpopped popcorn kernels?
No friends, it’s not okay. I would NOT recommend eating unpopped popcorn kernels, especially young kids and adults. It can cause choking issues and also damage the teeth. Also note, do not even consume half popped popcorns as well.
3. What is unpopped popcorn kernels called?
Whenever popcorns are heated in a pressure cooker, microwave or in commercial machines, some kernels do not pop and remain as they are. These popcorn kernels which fail to pop are called as “old maids”.
4. How do you get rid of unpopped popcorn kernels?
Take an open bag and make the small opening slightly larger than the unpopped kernel size. Then turn the bag upside down and shake the bag up and down gently for a few seconds. Gravity will allow the unpopped kernels to fall from the bag and separate as desired, and the fluffy fully popped corn will remain in the bag for further use.
5. How to make popcorn kernels?
It is a very simple process:
Take an open vessel or pot, add two teaspoons of vegetable oil and heat the oil over high heat. Put 2-3 popcorn kernels into the pan, cover it and wait to hear them both pop. Now remove the pan from the heat, and add in the remaining popcorn kernels and cover the vessel. You can also use a microwave if available.
Put the closed vessel on high flame. Within a few minutes, the popcorn will start popping. Shake the vessel or pan to ensure proper heating.
Once the popping process slows down to nearly a stop, remove the pan from the heat. Once done, pour the fluffy popcorns into a serving bowl.
You can top it with butter and salt if you like. Cheese powder and caramels are also lovely flavours to add and enjoy the yummy snack!
6. How do you get popcorn kernels?
Popcorn kernels are basically obtained from corn plants. Once the crop is fully grown, the corn is picked and fed in processing, wherein the kernels are removed from the cob. These corn kernels are then dried in a special setup, which helps to optimize the moisture content for popping. The corn kernel requires around 14% to 20% moisture content in order for it to pop.
7. Is a popcorn kernel a seed?
Yes, popcorn kernel is basically a seed with the perfect combination of starch and water content inside it. A strong outer layer of kernel holds everything together till it explodes into a piece of popcorn.
8. Is it safe to eat popcorn kernels?
Popcorn kernels are healthier whole grains for our body with lots of nutrients, low in calorie and full of vital nutrients. Popcorn kernels should be consumed only when they are fully popped after heating. It can cause choking issues and damage your teeth and improper chewing will result in accumulation in the intestinal track which might require medication and surgery in the longer run.