PopcornopolisPopcornopolis

As popcorn addicts, we regard the fluffy stuff as a mandatory accompaniment for any indulgent experience. That’s why we love it when it’s served at spas (another one of our addictions)!

Sure, we know it’s on the menu because it’s a healthy snack, but we think it ought to be elevated to more than just an also-ran in any pampering program.

So we were delighted to hear of Tierra Madre, a retreat in Vilcabama, Ecuador, that puts popcorn in its proper place of prominence.

Because it overlooks a sacred spot for the Incas (El Mandango Mountain), it incorporates many of the beliefs of that indigenous people who, along with the Aztecs, regarded popcorn as an important part of daily life and special occasions.

It was known to the Incas as nunas, a grain-like bean that burst when heated — just as our modern-day popcorn pops. Nunas were a foundation of the Inca diet and some believe key to the exceptional health and wisdom of the people.

At Tierra Madre (“Mother Earth”), arriving guests are greeted with a complimentary glass of “horchata,” an herbal elixir known as “the drink of the gods” to which a shot of the bean-like ingredient can be added.

And guests also get gratis popcorn throughout their stay, during which all food served is organic and grown in on-site gardens. The garden soil is even used for a special rejuvenating mud massage said to trigger tranquility.

Carol Rosin, an American scientist who used to work for NASA, recently purchased the resort and is continuing to cultivate its ancient roots by enhancing well-being programs based on its auspicious location, known to locals as “The Valley of Longevity.”

Rosin hopes eco-tourists and other enlightenment seekers will be drawn to the dramatic mountain scenery, the healing treatments and even personal consultations with “the ancient ones,” descendents of the original people of the region.

Sigh. We’ll never be able to settle for only lemon water, candles and soft robes again.

The U.S. may have the world’s largest popcorn ball, but when it comes to popcorn sculptures, the Brits can boast that they’ve bested us:

In 2003, students at Camberwell College of Arts put blood, sweat and, undoubtedly tears, into constructing a 13-foot-tall, 1,720 pound likeness of King Kong made entirely of popcorn. It took them 630 hours. No word on why the giant ape. Or why popcorn.

And does it really matter? Art (or is that beauty?) is in the eye of the beholder, right, and we’re impressed – at least from the snaps we’ve seen. Quite a fearsome feat.

Other popcorn art might not have the three-dimensional impact of this, well, monstrosity, but it’s no less worth admiring for its versatility and for underscoring the cultural importance of the kernel – whether literal or abstract.

We know the students were being silly. Chris Martin (the respected Brooklyn-based painter/writer, not the Coldplay rocker), is serious, but playful, in his striking abstract “Mother Popcorn.” It’s hanging in London’s Saatchi Gallery, but you can take a peek here: www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artists/chris_martin.htm

“Bao Mu Hua” or “Exploding Popcorn” is an entirely different genre; it’s Chinese folk art painted by a self-taught, award-winning contemporary artist, Cao Quan-Tang, depicting life where he grew up in the Shaanxi Province in Central China. It depicts villagers spinning a large drum filled with kernels over an open fire as its contents begin to burst into highly anticipated eats. It’s a ritual the artist says has been practiced for generations there. So much for believing that popcorn has only an American history. www.orientaloutpost.com/proddetail.php?prod=2fa-popcorn&cat=14

Want something a little more accessible? Maybe something that will work in your basement home theater area? Browse allposters.com for vintage-style popcorn art and advertising posters, paintings and prints. We can’t promise greatness, but we can guarantee great prices.

Want to impress at parties? Here’s your cheat sheet for fun facts about your favorite food:

-You knew that popcorn is a member of the maize family of plants. Did you know that maize is actually classed as a grass? Its scientific name is Zea mays everta and it’s the only maize that “pops.”

-Popped popcorn comes in two basic shapes: You’ll see the fluffy snowflake at movie snack counters, ballparks and fairs because it looks and pops bigger. The mushroom shape is somewhat smaller and compact, but sturdier. That’s why it’s used in confections: It can stand up to myriad coatings of toppings without crumbling.

-Prime time for popcorn consumption in the United States is in the fall. (National Popcorn Month is October.)

-While today’s consumers favor intense sweet and salty toppings, such as rich chocolates and nuts and tangy cheeses, 1800s palates preferred more subtle flavors, including rose and honey.

-Popcorn became a patriotic snack during World War II when sugar was rationed, and Americans at home supported the troops by knocking back vast volumes of the non-sugared snack.

-Popcorn was the first intentionally microwaved food. In 1946, Perry Spencer, a scientist at the Ratheon Corp., invented the first “magnetron machine” (the forerunner to the microwave) and in experimenting, placed popcorn kernels next to the contraption, flipped the switch on and the kernels popped. Spencer went on to perfect an early version of the oven and now popping corn is arguably the top use of microwaves.

-Popcorn was “green” long before planet-friendly practices became popular. An original renewable resource, it’s more than sustenance: It’s a great protective natural packaging, especially for more fragile food products, such as cookies. Once your recipient has enjoyed the sweets, she can snack on the packing. And don’t forget the now revived Victorian tradition of stringing popcorn – and sometimes cranberries – for a festive holiday garland for trees, mantles and more.

There’s no doubt popcorn inspires creativity. Go ahead: Dazzle your family and friends with these DIY dishes.

Popcorn salad*

Who knew bacon and popcorn would be perfect pals? They are in this retro dish combo your kids will love.
• 1/2 cup celery, sliced thinly on diagonal
• 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced
• 1 (8 ounce) canned, sliced water chestnuts, halved
• 8 slices cooked bacon; crispy and crumbled (Want lean? Go with turkey bacon.)
• 1/2 cup ripe olives, drained
• 1/2-3/4 head lettuce, shredded.
• 1 (3-1/2 ounce) package microwave popcorn.
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cups mayonnaise

Directions: Combine celery, radishes, onion, water chestnuts, bacon in large bowl and mix well. Set aside. When ready to serve, add lettuce; pop popcorn and add immediately to the vegetables along with cheese and mayonnaise. Toss until mayonnaise is evenly distributed. *Source: www.recipezaar.com

Herbed buttermilk popcorn*

Ok, how about something more sophisticated – with a tangy twist?
• 1 tablespoon powdered buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1/2 teaspoon powdered chicken bouillon
• 1 tablespoon corn oil
• 1/3 cup popcorn kernels
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions: Combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, dill weed and chicken broth in a small bowl. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the popcorn and cover with a lid, leaving a small crack open. Shake the pan continuously. Remove from the heat when popping stops. Pour popcorn into a bowl. Wipe the pan clean then melt the butter in the pan. Pour the butter over the popcorn and toss. Sprinkle on the flavoring mixture and toss again. Voila! *Source: 101cookbooks.com.

Candy cane popcorn crunch*

Yes, it’s a holiday treat, but it’s such a kitschy, crispy confection, why wait?
• 24 cups popped popcorn
• 3 cups white chocolate wafers
• 2/3 cup finely crushed candy canes

Directions: Pop popcorn. (1/2 cups unpopped popcorn makes about 10 cups popped). Finely crush the candy canes in a food processor. Melt dipping wafers following package instructions. Put popcorn into a large bowl (maybe even two). Add the melted wafers to popcorn and stir to coat. Add crushed candy canes and mix gently. Spread popcorn mixture onto two paper lined cookie sheets. Place cookie sheets in fridge for 30 minutes or until coating hardens. Remove and break into pieces. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place up to a week. *Source: www.recipezaar.com

-Prehistoric popcorn was first discovered in west central New Mexico in 1948 by Harvard archeology students. The partially popped cobs were unearthed from a dig area called the Bat Cave (not named for the caped crusader — it’s actually descriptive of a rock formation). The corn was carbon dated at more than 5,600 years old.

-Spanish explorer Hernando Cortez observed that popcorn was central to the life and culture of the Aztec peoples who ate the crunchy kernels as well as wore them in ceremonial necklaces and headdresses and decorated statues of their gods with them.

-Native Americans believed that popcorn was the result of serene spirits living inside popcorn kernels, who became agitated when their “homes” were heated and burst worth in anger.

-Though popcorn was known to the Colonists, it’s never been proven, but is still repeated, that Indians brought it to share at the first Thanksgiving feast.

-“Prairie gold” is grown primarily in the Midwest.Not a commodity crop until about 1890, popcorn comes primarily from Nebraska. The crop became an important commodity about 1890 and the first commercial producer appears to have been the Albert Dickinson Co. of Odebolt, Iowa.

-Charles Cretors is credited with invented the first mobile “street” popcorn machine in 1885 in Chicago and gained notoriety at the Columbian Exposition there in 1893 with his rolling steam-powered wagon dispensing free samples to hungry fairgoers.

-Popcorn grew in popularity with opening of movie theaters in the 20th Century, and remained an affordable luxury through the Depression due to its low cost – 1-5 cents per bag. In fact, many popcorn vendors thrived during this time.

-Why does popcorn pop? It differs from its grain relatives in that its hull contains a small drop of water surrounded by soft starch. As the kernel is heated, the water expands and the grain “explodes,” with the starch spilling out and becoming the puffy pillow we know.

World’s largest Popcorn Ball. Sac City, Iowa. You’re gonna need a lot of floss for this one: It’s 3,100 pounds of sticky goodness! And we love that its status is a great comeback story. Here’s how it goes: The ball’s first incarnation was rolled together in 1995 by volunteer workers at the local Noble Popcorn Co. Though an impressive novelty that drew crowds from all over the country, by 1998, locals grew tired of the 2,200-pounder, and officials decided to demolish the ball with a bang. Literally. They decided to blow it up at the county fair, expecting an extravaganza of raining kernels. Unfortunately, when the plunger was pushed, the ball only broke apart, and spectators flooded the field to grab souvenir gobs. Flash forward to 2006. Illinois-based Popcorn Factory fashioned an even larger popcorn ball — 3,400 pounds – which also was destroyed (you can watch its 2007 demise on youtube.com). Are you keeping up? We swear we’re almost done. Now flash back to Sac City and 2005, when locals again had a hankering to honor the crop that can kept the local economy popping, and assembled another monster — just in time to commemorate the city’s sesquicentennial. And this ball now reigns supreme as the world’s largest. www.saccountyiowa.com

Wyandot Popcorn Museum. Marion, Ohio. This is the reportedly the word’s only popcorn museum. Founded by the Wyandot Co., a prominent local popcorn and snack producer, it’s housed in the town’s former post office and chock full of lovingly restored antique poppers and other historic paraphernalia. Tours (donations accepted) are available year ‘round, except on major holidays. (And don’t miss the free popcorn samples!) www.wyandotpopcornmus.com. Speaking of holidays, the museum is a major player in Marion’s Popcorn Festival, the country’s largest, and always held the weekend after Labor Day. It features live music, a popcorn cooking contest and, our favorite, a pageant culminating in the crowning of Ms. Popcorn. www.popcornfestival.com.

Valparaiso Popcorn Festival. Valparaiso, Ind. This celebration claims to have created the nation’s first popcorn parade (begun in 1979) and salutes the King (no, not Elvis; Orville Redenbacher, who grew up here). It kicks off with the gala Popcorn Ball (groan) and includes a cavalcade of fest fun, including a 5-mile run (dubbed the Popcorn Panic) and competition for more popcorn royalty titles: the Popcorn Prince and Princess. Held annually on the Saturday following Labor Day. www.popcornfest.org/popcorn

Just because we’re popcorn fiends and devour it daily doesn’t mean you have to.

Then again, you might want to consider it. Sure, gourmet popcorn tastes good. But did you know the tiny kernels have big health benefits?

First off, they’re whole grains low in calories and fat (plus have zero trans fat – one of our body’s worst enemies). And popcorn is a complex carbohydrate high in fiber.

Endorsed as part of the USDA’s most recent Dietary Guidelines, popcorn also gets props from the National Cancer Institute, American Dental Association and American Dietetic Association, which cite it as a nutritious nosh that can help fend off diabetes and some cancers.

The Journal of the American Dietetic Association even reports that a study by the Center for Human Nutrition found that popcorn fans have a higher overall intake of fiber – 22 percent more than others – that reduces their risk for cardiovascular disease.

And chew on this: Popcorn even can help you whittle your waist. How? Foods rich in fiber take longer to eat, make you feel full sooner and help you resist eating other diet-busting snacks.

So go ahead and indulge. According to the Popcorn Board, one cup of plain popcorn is only 31-55 calories (if lightly buttered it’s 133). Of course, once drizzled or doctored, it’s got more — but at least you’re starting with a wholesome foundation.

Popcorn’s popularity as a nutritious treat continues to grow worldwide, with the U.S. remaining the primary producer and Americans the top consumers. We chomp more than 17 billion quarts of popped popcorn annually – or about 68 quarts per person.

And while you may think that gourmet popcorn versions are a modern phenomenon (and yes, we happen to think ours are pretty creative), let’s give credit where credit is due: Native Americans first sprinkled the popped kernels with herbs and spices, and the Colonists even poured milk over them and ate them for breakfast!

Now, where’s my bowl and spoon…

Your kids probably only think of popcorn for TV and movie munching. Well, wait until they taste what we offer, and they’re going to start demanding it for dinner!

Michelle Mitchell’s brood ripped open one of our glam-wrapped packages with “wild abandon” and now her whole family is hooked. In fact, Mitchell, author of the influential mom’s blog Scribbit (http://scribbit.blogspot.com/2008/05/popcornopolis-prada-of-popcorn.html), dubbed our luxe line “the Prada of Popcorn.” (Thanks, Michelle!)

She, her husband, her four children and her friends couldn’t get enough of the “fancy schmancy” choices they sampled – including almond-caramel, white chocolate and caramel, cheddar cheese, kettle corn, dark chocolate and caramel, zebra (the white and dark chocolate combo) and cinnamon toast.

The dark chocolate and cinnamon toast were Michelle’s favorite flavors; in fact it sounds like she nearly swooned over them: “All I need is a bathtub full of that stuff and life would be complete,” she said.

While we’re not sure if she’s served the cinnamon toast for breakfast yet (a perfect morning menu item, don’t you think?), we’re sure her family wouldn’t complain.

We do know that she now offers our sweet treats more frequently for desserts, and that lots of moms now prefer popcorn as an after-school snack. (Remember, ours is handmade and trans-fat free.)
Michelle also brought a bag of our caramel corn to her grandpa, who lit up and started reminiscing about his boyhood growing up on his family farm where popcorn popping was a staple.
Because our product had such a powerful effect on all her loved ones, Michelle even mused that we should consider a new company slogan: “Popcornopolis: Bringing families together, establishing world peace and aligning the planets.”

We’re not sure we can promise all that, but we can definitely guarantee we’ll try – one gourmet popcorn gift tin at a time.