Peoria Standard

In 2003, Illinois made a unique decision to honor popcorn by declaring it the official snack food of the state. The journey towards this recognition began when Joliet teacher Fran Hollister and her second and third grade students participated in a class project to suggest ideas for a state snack food. Their efforts paid off when lawmakers passed legislation in August, solidifying popcorn's special status in Illinois.

With 333 farms spread across 47,000 acres, Illinois is the third largest grower of popcorn. Leading the pack is Mason County, which surpasses any other county in the United States in terms of popcorn cultivation. Only Indiana and Iowa produce more popcorn annually than Illinois. These popcorn growers supply a wide range of wholesalers, including nationwide brands, as well as local grocers and farmers markets.

Popcorn belongs to a special category of corn known as flint corn, which is edible. Unlike field corn or sweet corn, popcorn has a unique kernel structure that allows it to pop when exposed to high heat. The kernel contains a small drop of water that expands rapidly, causing the kernel to turn inside-out and create the familiar popcorn we enjoy.

Aside from its irresistible taste, popcorn also offers several nutritional benefits. In its purest form without any additives, popcorn is high in fiber, low in calories and fat, and has no sodium or sugar. It even contains protein, calcium, and iron, making it a suitable choice for individuals with dietary restrictions.

For those with a green thumb, planting popcorn in their backyards can be a fun and rewarding experience. Popcorn should be planted in early spring, after the threat of frost has passed. It takes approximately 90-110 days for the kernels to mature. Harvesting is done when the kernels are hard and the husks are dry.

The United States takes pride in being the top producer and consumer of popcorn worldwide, with an estimated consumption of 15 billion quarts each year. Popcorn's origins can be traced back to Native American cultivation in the southwest and Mexico, possibly dating back as far as 5,000 years ago.

As National Popcorn Day approaches, an Illinois teacher suggests some exciting activities involving popcorn.