By Caislyn Hummel
It would be easy to throw cobs of corn in the microwave and get popcorn in return, but there is a science to getting the best popcorn right at your house.
Not All Corn is for Popcorn
Placing 7th in the US for corn production, Ohio (Lehman’s home state) reaps about 1,500 hectares of corn. This is about 150 million square feet of corn! There are actually several types of corn grown in the world. Here are a few to name and their distinctions:
Dent Corn
The most common corn grown in Ohio is dent corn. It is used for livestock feed and the production of ethanol for automobiles. Dent corn is easily recognizable by the little dent in each kernel. Dent corn is one of the most widely grown crops in Ohio, followed by sweet corn. Most of dent corn goes into making ethanol that triples its output more than the amount of corn! A bushel of corn can create 2.8 gallons of ethanol.
Sweet Corn
This is the corn on the cob that is eaten and loved most by people. Compared to dent corn, it is lower in starch content and higher in sugar content. Dishes with sweet corn include corn pudding to topping off salads.
Corn is also a great side dish for family gatherings and bonding experiences. There are several time-saving choppers and gadgets that can help prepare and preserve corn for the freezer or dinner table.
Feed Corn
This type of corn is commonly grown for livestock feed. However, it also is used for ethanol production, cosmetics and medications!
Popcorn
Popcorn is made for popping, unlike other types corn. Whether preparing for a movie watch or family board game, popcorn is a popular snacking treat. There are many types of popcorn to choose from that differ in color, shape and flavor. Lehman’s has over 10 different types of popcorn to choose from!
Why is there so much corn growing in Ohio?
There are over 70,000 farms in Ohio, which means a lot of mouths to feed on the farm. Feed and dent corn is commonly grown and dried for livestock feed.
Misinformation has gone around about corn and its lack of health benefits, but these kernels don’t boast enough about their contents of vitamin A and C, potassium, zinc, copper, protein and water content. Enjoying corn with salt and butter can outweigh its health benefits, however.
Choosing Your Popcorn
It can be confusing at first when seeing “Blue Corn,” “Baby Yellow Corn,” or even “Ladyfinger Popcorn.”
When it all comes down to creating the best at-home popcorn, Lehman’s is ready to offer you the best!
Yellow popcorn has a natural buttery and sweet taste when popped. There are several types of yellow popcorn, baby yellow popcorn and medium yellow popcorn, which contain the same flavor but pop different sized kernels.
White popcorn is more bland in taste which gives a great opportunity to try the many kinds of popcorn flavorings, such as caramel or white cheddar. White popcorn doesn’t have an outer layer, called a “hull,” which makes for a softer texture and is easier to digest.
Extra Large Caramel Type Popcorn has a neutral taste which works greatly with additional flavorings like caramel or brown sugar. The hull is thin, which gives a tender and soft texture.
Blue popcorn is a popular type with each kernel packed with antioxidants, containing a nutty flavor and fluffy texture. Even though it is called blue popcorn, the kernels after being popped lose the color and create a more muted shade of white.
Whether it is movie night, a study session, or a rainy day, there is always a great reason to pop some popcorn. Explore the many kinds at lehmans.com
The kinds of corn Lehman’s has to offer:
Medium Yellow Popcorn Medium White Popcorn
XL Caramel Type Popcorn Baby Yellow Popcorn
Baby White Popcorn Ladyfinger Popcorn
Yoder’s Popcorn Blue Popcorn
Purple Popcorn Red Popcorn
Rainbow Popcorn
You can also find stovetop poppers, popcorn oil and all the seasonings you need here.
