Popcorn seasoning

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The Plaza Theatre in Atlanta offers visitors nutritional yeast for popcorn seasoning. Popcorn with Nutritional yeast.jpg
The Plaza Theatre in Atlanta offers visitors nutritional yeast for popcorn seasoning.

Popcorn seasoning is any ingredient used to add flavor to popcorn. In the United States, popcorn seasoning is mass-produced by several companies for commercial and consumer use. Popcorn seasonings may be used to enhance the flavor of popcorn, and some are used to add a buttery flavor to popcorn. [1] Significant amounts are often used to ensure the adequate flavoring of popcorn, due to popcorn's low density. [2] It is also sometimes utilized to add coloring to popcorn. [1] Some popcorn seasoning may contain monosodium glutamate. [1] [2] Some specialty products exist in unique flavors, such as chocolate and bubble gum. [2] Some popcorn seasoning products may be referred to as popcorn salt. [3]

Contents

Some oils used to cook popcorn contain popcorn seasonings mixed within the oil, and may be referred to as popcorn seasoning oils or liquid popcorn seasoning. [1] [4]

Since the 1960s, American movie theaters have commonly used the seasoning Flavacol—made up of salt, butter flavoring, and artificial colors—to enhance their popcorn. [5]

Formulation

Dry popcorn seasoning may be finely granulated to enable even dispersion when placed upon popcorn. [2] Common homemade popcorn seasoning ingredients include salt and melted butter.

Popcorn seasoning is sometimes used within machines that are utilized to produce large quantities of popcorn for consumer purchase. [4]

In the 1950s in the United States, many commercial oil-based popcorn seasonings were produced with a coconut oil base, and also utilized artificial coloring. [6]

See also

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seasoning</span> Process of supplementing food via herbs, salts, or spices

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Butter salt</span> Butter-flavored salt product

Butter salt is a seasoning developed in the late twentieth century for the purpose of combining the flavours found in salt and butter. It is a fine, golden powder, originally salt, enriched with butter flavouring. It is often used as a seasoning for popcorn. It is said to impart a "rich, buttery flavour".

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taiwanese fried chicken</span> Dish in Taiwanese cuisine

Taiwanese fried chicken, westernized as popcorn chicken, is a dish in Taiwanese cuisine commonly found as street snack and is indispensable to the night markets in Taiwan. It consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken, coated and fried with flour and seasoning mixture. Salt and pepper is the staple condiment, while chili powder, lightly fried basil leaves, and garlic bits are added for preference. Since the creation of this dish, it has become a popular fast food or restaurant appetizer in other countries in Asia, as well as among Asian immigrant populations overseas.

Molly McButter is an American-made flavored butter substitute manufactured by B&G Foods. Originally developed by food chemists at Alberto-Culver, it is a lower-calorie replacement for butter.

Garlic oil is the volatile oil derived from garlic. It is usually prepared using steam distillation, and can also be produced via distillation using ether. It is used in cooking and as a seasoning, a nutritional supplement, and also as an insecticide.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Popcorn Costs Up; Seasonings Down". The Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. April 12, 1952. p. 63.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Handbook on Spices and Condiments (Cultivation, Processing and Extraction) by H. Panda
  3. Reinhart, Peter (2011). Peter Reinhart's Whole Grain Breads. Random House LLC. p. 294. ISBN   978-1607741305.
  4. 1 2 Kish, Warren A. (29 October 1949). "Increasing Popcorn Volume for the OPS". The Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.: 74–75.
  5. Clement, Bethany Jean (2021-01-12). "Missing movie theater popcorn? Here's how to make it at home". The Providence Journal. Retrieved 2022-09-03.
  6. Brunson, Arthur Maxwell; Richardson, Dewayne L. (1958). Popcorn. U.S. Department of Agriculture. pp.  11.

Further reading