Different Types of Popcorn

There are many different types of popcorn. Popcorn is such an enjoyable snack, I don't know anyone who does not like it. It's the perfect partner to a good movie, whether it's in a theater with friends, or alone at home.

But, have you ever thought about whether there's more to the popcorn you buy from the cinemas or the microwave type from your local supermarket?

You'll be surprised at how many different types of popcorn there actually are. Let's have a look.

White Popcorn

White popcorn is distinct in that its kernels are smaller than regular popcorn seeds. People often assume that white popcorn is the the kind used in movie theaters, but this kind is different.  White popcorn kernels have a naturally sweet flavor rather than the salty, savory flavor we're used to. White popcorn can be made in any popcorn machine and requires little to no oil to cook.  Furthermore, this type of corn is high in fiber, making it a crunchy, more nutritious snack.

Butterfly-style Popcorn

Butterfly-style popcorn is a popular kind that takes on the shape of a butterfly when heated. These kernels form small wings and use them to "fly" through the air while popping. It's fascinating to watch the butterfly-style popcorn develop their distinct shapes.  You can serve this snack with melted butter and salt to taste. If you're feeling daring, try adding some garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or both to make the perfect flavors.

Mushroom-style Popcorn

When popped, Mushroom-style popcorn takes on an unusual shape. When exposed to heat, this kernel type bursts into a ball rather than the usual swarm of wings. To enhance the flavor, add some oil or butter of your choice, as well as some melted cheese. The main benefit of buying mushroom-style popcorn is that it takes longer to go stale and lose its crunchiness when exposed to air. Furthermore, this popcorn can handle a wide range of toppings, allowing it to be a little wild and experimental.

Red, Blue, Purple, and Yellow Popcorn

Yellow popcorn is the most common type found in stores and movie theaters. This popcorn is big and yellow in color. It is also organic and reasonably priced. Despite its name, red popcorn pops up white, has a neutral flavor, and is much more crunchy than yellow or white popcorn.  Blue popcorn pops white as well, is crunchy but smaller than the others, and purple popcorn is just similar to the others but has the most flavor of the four.

Hulless Popcorn

Hulless popcorn is not a type of popcorn in and of itself. Instead, it's a feature of popped popcorn.

The hull is the tough, yellow part of the popcorn that sticks in your teeth after eating it, and some popcorn has more hulls than others.  If having the hulls stuck between your teeth bothers you, try the hulless popcorn.  When popped, hullless popcorn produces fewer hulls. This is due to the fact that the thinner the popcorn kernels, the fewer the hulls.  Gourmet or baby or tender white, ladyfinger, midnight blue, vintage or gourmet red are some of the hulless varieties. Gourmet yellow and gourmet mushrooms are two larger popcorns with fewer hulls.

Ladyfinger Popcorn

Ladyfinger popcorn is the most delicate type of popcorn kernel available. This corn is tiny and has a thin hull, making it ideal for people who wear braces. You can experiment with additional flavors such as cheddar or blue cheese powder, buffalo wing seasoning mix, garlic or avocado powder, salt, pepper, and dried cilantro leaves. Also, these kernels are a perfect topping for soups and baked goods. Ladyfinger popcorn is the thinnest of the the hulless popcorn. If you are interested in picking some up, you can find some here.

This article describes different types of popcorn such as white, butterfly, mushroom, ladyfinger, red, blue, purple, yellow, and hulless. Popcorn is terrific anytime and is a tasty and healthy snack.

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