Schoolhouse Farms, Ohio – Gourmet Popcorns, Oils and Grains

COMMERCIAL POPCORN

We offer mushroom and butterfly popcorn that are great options for food truck & kettle corn vendors, movie theatres, sporting events and more! Contact us to learn more.

GOURMET POPCORN

HISTORY OF POPCORN

Archeologists have determined that popcorn has been around for millennia and has been found both popped and unpopped in caves in Utah, New Mexico and Mexico. Popcorn is one of the six major subcategories of corn. Like the other five, popcorn is native to North America and originated around 10,000 years ago in present day Mexico.

From a physics perspective, popcorn explodes at an internal pressure of ~135psi, between 400- and 460-degrees Fahrenheit, giving all of us that delicious crunchy taste that we enjoy! For the pop to be successful, it is critical that the optimal moisture content of the kernel is maintained.

Mushroom Popcorn

As the name suggests, mushroom popcorn boasts a round and compact shape that closely resembles a mushroom cap. Its key feature is its ability to pop into a dense, large, rounded ball making mushroom popcorn ideal for coating with various flavors, such as caramel, chocolate, or savory seasonings, as it holds up well to coatings. Its robust structure allows for an even distribution of flavors, delivering an exquisite taste with every bite.

Butterfly Popcorn

In contrast, butterfly popcorn is known for its characteristic butterfly-like shape when it pops. As the kernels heat up, the moisture inside causes the popcorn to burst open, forming irregularly shaped pieces with “wings” that give it its name. These wings provide a larger surface area, perfect for catching toppings like butter, salt, or other seasonings. Butterfly popcorn is commonly found at cinemas and sporting events and is a staple for snacking enthusiasts who enjoy a more traditional popcorn experience.

Popping Methods and Applications

The distinct shapes of mushroom and butterfly popcorn result from differences in the physical properties of the kernel. Mushroom popcorn pops by expanding uniformly, while butterfly popcorn pops explosively, creating its signature wings. This disparity in popping styles also affects their applications.

Mushroom popcorn is favored for gourmet popcorn flavors, as its round shape allows for better coverage and distribution of coatings. Its sturdy but light structure ensures that these coatings adhere well, providing a delightful taste experience. On the other hand, butterfly popcorn’s irregular shapes and larger surface area make it perfect for enjoying with simple toppings like butter and salt, making it the go-to choice for lovers of classic popcorn flavors.

Conclusion

In the wonderful world of popcorn: mushroom popcorn and butterfly popcorn stand out with their unique characteristics and popping methods. Mushroom popcorn’s round shape lends itself well to gourmet coatings, ensuring an even distribution of flavors. Butterfly popcorn, with its irregular wings, captures traditional popcorn flavors like butter, salt, and other powder-based seasonings. Understanding the differences between these two varieties can help you choose the ideal popcorn for your snacking and vending preferences.

Whether you’re creating a gourmet popcorn experience or a classic cinema snack, SchoolHouse Farms has you covered.
Explore our complete range of varieties and discover the joy of premium popcorn that will satisfy your taste buds. Remember, it’s not just popcorn—it’s an experience. Welcome to the world of gourmet!