Hot Popcorn Poppers 101   by Lenora Tyson

in Food / Low Calorie    (submitted 2011-02-10)

First, some history: Popcorn has been known for at least 5,000 years. South American Indians ate it, made beer with it, and created a god to worship for its continued blessings upon them. It was a staple of the Native Americans' diet, as well as an ornament for the distinguished lady's hair. American colonists made soup from popcorn, and no Victorian Christmas tree was truly decorated without strands and strands of popcorn adorning it. Baseball games, county fairs and circuses couldn't function without the sales of the hot, fluffy kernels. During World War II, sugar rationing caused popcorn to become the nation's substitute for sweet treats, causing it to be consumed at three times the rate it had been before the War began. And a trip to the movies wouldn't be complete without a tub of popcorn's buttery goodness to accompany the film. Popcorn has become such a part of our cultural history that school children have Popcorn Day to celebrate its long and illustrious history. Still, history tends to focus on the ones making and eating popcorn than on the technology that brought about the change from dried kernel of grain to fluffy, fantastic treat.

The first mention of popcorn in a cookbook in 1846, speaks of popping the corn in a kettle or a "basket." The basket being referred to was probably one of the crudely made affairs that blacksmiths and tinkers were manufacturing by the scores. These were tightly spaced wire or metal mesh, with a long handle that could be held over the fire from a distance, so as not to scorch the popper's clothing or burn their fingers. Throughout much of the 1800's, the long-handled basket evolved into a long handled pan or box, made of tin or copper. This is how the Victorians popped the mounds and mounds of popcorn needed for their holiday festooning. Popcorn sales dropped off when the T.V. became popular in the 1950's. Movie theater attendance dropped off too. The consupmtion of popcorn dropped too when the public started making popcorn at home. Home poppers were introduced in 1925.

Hot air popped popcorn is one of the healthiest snacks to choose for the overall snack craving. Not only is it delicious and can be seasoned to meet any craving, but it contains practically no fat, cholesterol or sodium at all, and it is also a great source of dietary fiber and manganese.

Popcorn makers are one of the most favored equipments of most of the houses especially if there are children in the home. Having a popcorn popper is the best and the easiest way of popping theater taste popcorn right at your home. These popcorn makers are available in several types and style for meeting all your popping requirements. You can even try your hand at gourmet and colored popcorn.

The price of some of these popping machines range between the little ones of around $80 to the large types that are listed for about $700. You really must choose how much popcorn you're genuinely going to munch on. Now you have a much better idea of which old fashioned popcorn machines really cost and which ones might be able to put into your house. You will almost certainly come across most of the old fashion models remodeled and remade to fit within your house. This is for people who enjoy to accumulate such things, and it fits with the rest of a nostalgic environment.

But it is not just about snacking and bad feeding habits, popcorn has health and dietary benefits. They are rich in fiber that aids in digestion. If you did not know, your stomach contains millions of bacteria that aid in digestion of food. Having a fiber rich meal enables the bacteria to function at their best and avoid bloating of the stomach.

Vertical space saving poppers push the popcorn through a spout and sometimes hot unpopped kernels can fly out. It is advisable not to stand directly in front of the hot air popper during operation. The kettle corn that you see popped at fairs and farmers markets is one of the hottest ways to make money with popcorn. It has a very high profit margin and a very low overhead. You can usually recoup your initial investment in a few shows.

Hot air popcorn poppers use just that, hot air. No oil means lighter, crunchier popcorn that stays fresh longer and has fewer calories. No oil also means no greasy cleanup, or worries about spills either. No oil also eliminates the risk of fire or the danger of someone being accidentally burned by hot oil from a popcorn kettle. Besides, if someone likes the taste of oil on their popcorn they can simply add some butter flavored oil to their serving from a dispenser.

Popcorn is an all-purpose snack that you can enjoy in the morning, in the evening or while busy working at your office desk. In some occasions, it is a compulsory accompaniment. Whatever the case, popcorn is here to stay.

About the Author

There is no question that hot popcorn poppers are such great investments for enjoyment and a bit of nostalgia for your home or business.