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Is your popcorn healthy?  You will be surprised, but the answer is “Yes”. In its purest sense popcorn is very close to nature; if it’s dry popped in hot air there are no oils, fats or sugars added to it – what you eat is simply the inside of the kernel.

And the facts speak for themselves: a single portion of popcorn contains more antioxidants than all the fruit and vegetables most people eat in a day. A research study by University of Scranton Chemistry Professor Joe Vinson, Ph.D., reported that popcorn contains more of the healthful antioxidant substances called “polyphenols” than fruits and vegetables.

The new study found that the amount of polyphenols found in popcorn was up to 300 mg a serving compared to 114 mg for a serving of sweet corn and 160 mg for all fruits per serving. In addition, one serving of popcorn would provide 13 percent of an average intake of polyphenols a day per person in the United States. Fruits provide 255 mg per day of polyphenols and vegetables provide 218 mg per day to the average U.S. diet.

10 Facts about popcorn you should to know

1. Consumption

Americans consume 17 billion quarts of popped popcorn annually or 52 quarts per man, women and child. This is enough to fill the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California more than 50 times.

2. Science

Each kernel of popcorn contains a small drop of water stored inside a circle of soft starch. As the kernel heats up, the water begins to expand. The pressure inside the grain finally bursts and the hull opens.

3. Global

Most of popcorn consumed throughout the world is growing in United States.

4. Home

Thanks to invention of the microwave 70% of popcorn is consumed in the home. The first microwave popcorn was invented in 1946. “Air-popped popcorn has the lowest number of calories, of course,” Dr. Vinson said. “Microwave popcorn has twice as many calories as air-popped, and if you pop your own with oil, this has twice as many calories as air-popped popcorn. About 43 percent of microwave popcorn is fat, compared to 28 percent if you pop the corn in oil yourself.”

5. Healthy facts

Popcorn contains more antioxidants than fruit and vegetables. It contains twice the amount of polyphenols , an important antioxidant. It’s the only snack that is 100% unprocessed whole grain. 69% of people believe popcorn is high in fiber, low GI and low in calories. 

6. Popcorn eating habits

Although 2/3 of people consider popcorn to be a healthy snack, many are unaware of the real health benefits... 76% people eat popcorn regularly, at least once a month

7. Unpopped to popped

1 ounce , 1/8 cup or 2 tablespoons of unpopped kernels= 1 quart popped popcorn

8. Nutritional information

120 calories in 3 Tbsps. of kernels + 120 calories in 1 Tbsp. of Canola oil = 240 calories in 6 cups of popcorn.  40 calories in 1 cup of oil-popped popcorn, 2 servings of grains  & 7 gram of fiber.

9. History of Popcorn and Fireworks

The history of popcorn dates as far back as 4,000 years ago, when the first ears of popcorn were found in New Mexico. However, it wasn't until popcorn made its way to the highly seasonal growing climate of the North American Corn Belt that popcorn really flourished. Today, most of the world's popcorn is grown in the Great Midwest; right where The Fireworks Popcorn Company story begins...

The Fireworks Popcorn Company began with a passion for popcorn. The founder of Fireworks Popcorn Company had loved popcorn since he was a young boy growing up in Northern Wisconsin. His love of popcorn led him to search for the best type of popcorn. Most Americans ate popcorn that came from "big yellow" kernels, which were the standard choice of most major commercial popcorn brands.

10. Fireworks Popcorn: An Explosion of Flavor
Fireworks Popcorn soon discovered that this yellow popcorn was just one of many different types of popcorn kernels. Researching and comparing the different heirloom popcorn varieties led to the discovery of  their unique flavors, colors, sizes and textures.

“Fireworks Popcorn grows the same varieties of popcorn that our grandparents enjoyed, tender and full of naturally good flavor. Small farmers throughout the Midwest grow popcorn exclusively for Fireworks and are required to meet exacting standards.” –said Wayne Chrusciel owner of Fireworks Popcorn.

• NO DYES are used to enhance the beautiful colors of our popcorn. Fireworks gourmet kernels are all natural - compliments of Mother Nature.

• NO GMOs. Fireworks popping corns have not been genetically modified or cross-bred with low grades of field corn. Cross-breeding with field corn would artificially enhance the size of the popped kernels, but with some loss of flavor.

Unlike other commercial brands that have been genetically altered, Fireworks popcorn kernels have very tender hulls, which shatter when popped. The smaller kernels also have a deeper, richer corn flavor. Larger kernels could be achieved by cross-breeding with field corn, but would produce a less flavorful, almost styrofoam-like texture. Fireworks Popcorn is GMO-free -nature at its best.

A little about Fireworks Popcorn

When Fireworks introduced their website (www.popcornlovers.com), they increased their brand visibility, gave customers the ability to order popcorn and popcorn products online, and expanded distribution to national retailers. Through a strong commitment to quality, Fireworks Popcorn became one of Americas favorite gourmet popcorn companies and an international distributor of natural popcorn.

Today, Fireworks Popcorn is a family-owned company headquartered in the community of Port Washington, Wisconsin. The inspirational beauty of Lake Michigan, creative leadership of Wayne Chrusciel, who purchased the business in 2007, and the strong work ethics of Fireworks employees have led our popcorn and related products to new levels of success. “ We hope you and your family enjoy our tasty natural popcorns” – Wayne Chrusciel said. "We pride ourselves in our commitment to producing the best tasting popcorn that also happens to be a wholesome, natural product."