Also Known as
Dry corn kernels

Description
Craving for a healthy snack on movie nights? How about popping the dry corn kernels. It is a type of corn which explodes from the kernel and puffs up when heated. There are several popular varieties. White hull-less and yellow hull-less are the varieties sold most commonly and packaged in microwave bags.

How to Select
Dry Corn Kernels are available year-round in virtually all food stores in two main varieties: yellow and white. It can be purchased buttered or unbuttered, or topped with cheese, caramel, or other flavorings. Also, may be purchased as bags of raw kernels, in cans, in microwave-ready packages, stove-top pans, or in bulk.

Culinary Uses
" A simple snack both light and delicious.
" Roasted dry corn is a popular snack at sporting events and in cinemas, either salted or sweetened a sweetened version. It is flavoured with different spices, either covered in caramel or molasses, creating a sweet, crunchy treat. Mixes of caramel corn often contain nuts, like peanuts or almonds. Certain types of caramel corn are made with a white sugar-based caramel rather than the traditional brown sugar versions, for a lighter and more buttery flavor.
" Other caramelized flavorings may also be used. Chocolate, strawberry, watermelon, coconut, green apple, and blueberry are the most commonly found flavours, in pie though many more often exist in specialized candy shops.
" Fun toppings include - Spanish smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, cayenne powder, chili pepper, curry powder, cumin, grated Parmesan cheese.
" As far as taste is concerned, most prefer lots of butter and lots of salt!
" Try sprinkling garlic salt or parmesan cheese over your popcorn instead of butter for a lower-fat version
" Butter salt is a fine, golden powder, originally salt, enriched with butter flavoring. It is often used as a seasoning for popcorn.
" To enjoy the maximum health benefits of dry corn kernel, one must choose a low-fat method of preparation, such as by air popping or using a minimal amount of oil or by serving it plain, i.e. without extra ingredients such as butter or salt.

How to Store
Airtight containers -- plastic or glass -- are your best bet to avoid moisture loss, especially when stored in a cool place like a cupboard. Avoid the refrigerator. Some say the cold storage makes the dry corn kernels taste better, but many refrigerators contain little moisture and can dry out kernels.

Health Benefits
" Dry corn kernels are naturally very nutritious as it is high in fiber, low in calories, contains no sodium, and is sugar and fat free.
" These low-calories snacks are considered whole grains, which have some valuable antioxidants not found in fruits and vegetables. They also contain B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium and fiber.