The genetically modified popcorn - what is it?
Air corn is a national American food. In the US, even there is a Popcorn Day, which is celebrated on January 19. However, in this there is nothing surprising: by the appearance of this product this product is due to America. When Christopher Columbus swam to the continent, the locals already "exploded" the corn on fire in earthenware. The Indians made beads out of it, and in one of the burials of Mexico City archaeologists found a statuette of a goddess, whose head was adorned with a twig with white "flowers" of popcorn. Many finds indicate that the priestesses predicted the future by the way the corn grains were opened. However, all these actions would have remained the domestic pranks of Native Americans, if not for a resident of Chicago, Charles Kritors. In 1885, he invented a car on wheels, which makes it possible to "blow up" corn anywhere, be it a fair or a wide avenue, and called it Popper. From that moment, popcorn began its march around the world.
Crack in the cinema
By itself, "exploded" corn - a very useful thing. It is a full-fledged cereal product, a source of high-quality carbohydrates and proteins. It contains a large amount of fiber, vitamins B, B2 and potassium. In this case, corn is quite low in calories. For example. Madonna claims that it was she who helped her get rid of excess weight after the birth of her eldest daughter. However, it is worth to clarify that the singer ate popcorn without salt and sugar or with their minimum amount. Our children absorb the delicacy, stuffed with additives. In the cinema, as a rule, offer a product that is generously flavored with salt or sugar. Moreover, special oils are added to the machine for "blasting" the grains, which create an appetizing smell and characteristic taste. And these are flavorings and harmful saturated fats. As a result, once a dietary snack turns into a pest of health. If the corn is salty, they break the water balance and cause thirst, the sweet give a load to the pancreas and cause excess kilograms, since they have a very high glycemic index. In addition, additives develop in children addiction and foment appetite, and the kid may not even notice how he shoots a whole bucket of delicacies. Therefore, going to the cinema, feed your favorite child with soup or cutlets so that he does not attack the popcorn. Also, try to give up a giant glass of corn.
Eating at the TV
Popcorn today is sold not only in the cinema, but in any supermarket, so they can crunch on the couch in front of the TV. The variety of corn flavors is simply amazing. There are caramel, vanilla, chocolate and fruit popcorn. For those who like popiknee, offer corn with the taste of onions, garlic, cheese and even caviar. True, it does not use real products, but flavors mixed with cheap oils, which pollinate popcorn during cooking. What's most unpleasant, manufacturers try to attract a children's audience to their product and come up with more and more original packaging. In addition to cartons, popcorn is sold in transparent "sausages", in which colorful flakes are especially effective. There are packages in the form of plastic buckets: then they can be used for playing kulichiki. And for the smallest lovers of airy corn, the delicacy is placed in plastic toys, typewriters or little animals, after seeing which the kids begin to squeal with delight. Such flakes, as a rule, are tinted with food colorings and finely crushed to make it easier for the puppies to chew. If you care about the health of your child, go past such products.
Popcorn at home
In contrast to factory popcorn, you can prepare a useful option yourself. Only for this you will need a special popcorn "Popcorn", which is sold in supermarkets. The grain has a special structure: it contains a droplet of starch containing water. The shell is thin, but much stronger than the corn you know well. Warming up, the water in a miracle-seed boils and turns into steam. In this case, the hermetic shell does not let it out. The tension inside grows, and at some point the peel does not stand the load, the popcorn "explodes" and, turning inside out, turns into weightless figures. With simple corn kernels such a number will not work - they are usually either too soft, or too hard for such a transformation. Look for a dry, undiscovered popcorn in the supermarket, but do not buy ready-made semifinished products - it's already stuffed with flavors. It is better to choose a product with the inscription "Natur" - it's low-fat natural grains with a natural taste. Put them in the microwave. Following the instructions on the package, in a closed paper bag or plastic container (but make sure that it takes the temperature above +1500 C). As soon as the grains are opened, turn on your imagination. For example, put them in a bowl and sprinkle a little salt or powdered sugar. You can go even further and create a French version of the American food: even hot popcorn, eat grated cheese, let it cool down - and you will get an elegant and devoid of chemical additives crispy dish. If you put a little tomato paste and dry basil, you will have a delicacy in Italian.