Popcorn 101: What Is Hulless Popcorn? (And Why Regular Popcorn Is Bad For Braces) (2024)

Popcorn is a delicious snack enjoyed by a majority of people. The popularity of popcorn dates back to 1800s when it was known as a cash crop. The variety of popcorn people are generally familiar with has large kernels that leave back hard and big hull when popped. But have you heard about the hulless popcorn? What is hulless popcorn? Want to know more? Keep on reading.

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A Brief History of Popcorn

Popcorn 101: What Is Hulless Popcorn? (And Why Regular Popcorn Is Bad For Braces) (1)

No other food can be called purely American food than the well-known popcorn. Whether we talk about the buttered, salted or caramelized popcorn at a movie theater or kettle corn at a party, Americans devour the stuff. Still, they are far from the world’s first people known to be popcorn fans. According to archeologists, they have found popcorn traces in 1000 years old Peruvian tombs.

Eager to know more about the history of popcorn? Ok, let’s dive right into it.

Popcorn was part of the first Thanksgiving feast organized in Plymouth Colony in the year 1621. According to a well-known myth, Squanto was responsible for teaching the Pilgrims how to raise and harvest the corn crop and further pop the kernels to enjoy a delicious snack.

While the Plymouth early settlers did grow the crop, they raise Northern Flint variety which was unsuitable for popping. However, no reference was made to eating or making the popcorn in that particular area appear until 1889, when a frictional work was published.

But Americans Were Not The First

Now the question rises was that if Americans weren’t the first to eat popcorn at Thanksgiving, when did it happen?

Some published work has been found that describes Iroquois popping tough corn kernels with the help of heated sand in pottery jars. As the Iroquois nation spread across the Great Lakes region, it is likely that Vermont, New York, and Quebec settlers were the earliest popcorn makers.

While popcorn was eaten by the mid-1800s, their popularity didn’t take off until 1892. During this time, the first popcorn popping machine was built by a Chicago entrepreneur named Charles Cretors. Charles was a candy store owner who wanted to offer freshly roasted nuts to his customers. For this, he purchased a peanut roaster. However, he was not happy with the end result.

Reinvent

Cretors designed an entirely new machine a few years down the line which was powered by steam. It could easily roast nuts and pop corns. Moreover, the steam ensured that the popcorn kernels and nuts are heated evenly. The users can pop the kernels in the desired seasonings directly.

By the year 1990, Cretors was able to design a horse-drawn popcorn wagon and this was the time when popcorn gains extreme popularity.

While popping the corns from a microwave is in trend now and not from a horse and a buggy, a patent was issued in 1981 for a microwave popcorn bag. In today’s time, Americans alone eat a large quantity of popcorn worth a million pounds.

Before we proceed ahead with the post, I would like to define the popcorn hull and what is the meaning of hulless?

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The Popcorn Hull

Popcorn 101: What Is Hulless Popcorn? (And Why Regular Popcorn Is Bad For Braces) (2)

The popcorn hull is defined as the kernel or the seed which pops under pressure.

Upon heating, as the steam begins to build up inside the hull, the tender portion of the kernel expands. This results in the popping of the popcorn, and the end result is the inside out version of the unpopped kernels.

Moreover, as the popcorn kernels are large in size, therefore the brown and crunchy part of the kernel that stays nestled inside the fluffy part is known as the hull.

While this article is about “what is hulless popcorn” but I would also like to recommend you learn more about where do popcorn kernels come from by reading this post.

What is Hulless Popcorn?

The name hulless popcorn is a misnomer as there is no such variety of popcorn. All popcorn have hull as the hull is the seed without which popcorn cannot pop. However, in the hulless variety, the kernels are small. Thus, with smaller kernels, the hulls are tender, smaller and less visible.

There is another kind of variety available in the market known as virtually hulless popcorn. This popcorn once popped has very few hard shell-like pieces and thus are considered as virtually hulless. Hulless popcorn is the most preferred choice for popcorn lovers who wear braces or want to avoid the popcorn hull altogether.

Can I eat Popcorn With Braces?

Do you love popcorn but have got braces recently?If so, you may be wondering whether it is safe to eat popcorn or not? Well, the answer to the most commonly asked question, “Can I eat popcorn with braces?” is no.

Instead of indulging in that salty kernelled treat, you can choose alternative snacks that are great for your teeth and braces.

Why is Popcorn Bad for Braces?

Popcorn and braces are considered as an extremely bad combination. Every year, dentists receive a large number of cases of broken orthodontic appliances, brackets and wires due to popcorn. Moreover, while eating popcorn, thin husk can get stuck between the teeth and braces which are difficult to remove.

Moreover, popcorn can lead to abscess or infection if you are not careful or do not take proper care. Popcorn is also known to damage the teeth as the unpopped kernels present at the bottom of the bag are known for breaking teeth.

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Know Some Corny Facts

  • Americans consume approximately 14 billion quarts of popcorn, which is considered as a good and low-calorie treat.
  • There are 4 kinds of corns which are harvested – Sweet corn, flint corn, pop corn and field corn, but only popcorn pops.
  • Popcorn differs from its counterparts as it has a thicker hull that is responsible for popping of the kernels.
  • A popcorn kernel can pop as high as 3 feet into the air.
  • Air popped kernels have only 30 calories per cup while the oil popped variety has 35 calories per cup.
  • In order to pop, the kernels need to have approximately 13.5% to 14% moisture in them.
  • Hulless popcorn does not exist as popcorn needs to have a hull to pop. However, there are some varieties that have been specially bred to shatter the hull upon popping and thus the end result appears virtually hulless.
  • When popped, popcorn usually gain one of the two shaped – snowflake or mushroom. While the snowflake is used in ballparks and movie theater because of their bigger size, the mushroom variety is used for candy confection as it does not crumble with little pressure.

Recipe Time

Popcorn 101: What Is Hulless Popcorn? (And Why Regular Popcorn Is Bad For Braces) (4)

Now that you got answers to a majority of the questions, why not indulge in some delicious popcorn recipes?

Brown Butter Popcorn withParmesan

  • Kosher salt
  • 1 - 1.5 cup of popcorn kernels
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Start by popping the hulless popcorn in a microwave according to the packet instructions. Next, brown the butter as browning the butter helps bring out its nutty flavor.

Start by melting the butter in a pan over medium heat and stir it till it starts to foam. Remove the butter as soon as it turns golden brown and smells nutty.

Drizzle the butter over the popcorn and sprinkle parmesan along with ¼ teaspoon salt. The parmesan adds a cheesy bite to the popcorn. Toss well.

Movie Theater Popcorn

  • 1/2 - 1 cup popcorn kernels
  • Flavacol (1 teaspoon per 1/2 cup un-popped kernels)
  • 3 tablespoon Coconut oil

Start by measuring out the popcorn. Next, measure out Flavacolaccording to the recipe, you can even adjust the Flavacol according to your popper and taste. Add some popcorn oil to the pan and heat on medium heat. Further, add Flavacol and popcorn to the pan, and cover it. Let it pop as usual and enjoy delicious movie theater styled popcorn. Read more about theater style popcorn recipe here. Also, find out which are the best popcorn machine for home theater.

Caramel Popcorn

  • Cooking spray
  • 3 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

Heat the oven to 300°F and spray the baking sheet with the cooking spray.

Heat oil in a saucepan and add popcorn. Cover the pan and let the kernels pop. Transfer the popped kernels in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine butter, corn syrup and sugar.

Stir over medium heat, till the mixture begins to bubble. Stir in vanilla and salt. Switch off the heat when the mixture begins to change its color.

Pour the mixture over the popped corns and toss it to coat the corns gently. Spread the mixture on the baking sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, tossing in between. Remove from oven and let it cool.

You can easily prepare this delicious delight a week ahead and store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Let’s Pop Some Corns

There you have it. I hope this article has helped you get an answer for, “What is hulless popcorn?” A lot of confusion prevails over different varieties of popcorn kernels. But when it comes to popcorn, the taste conquers it all. Let’s start popping some corns!

Popcorn 101: What Is Hulless Popcorn? (And Why Regular Popcorn Is Bad For Braces) (2024)

FAQs

Popcorn 101: What Is Hulless Popcorn? (And Why Regular Popcorn Is Bad For Braces)? ›

You have probably been told that you cannot eat popcorn with braces. It's true, regular popcorn kernels are hard and can damage the braces or even get stuck under the gums and cause an infection. However, hulless popcorn is made from a smaller kernel which is more tender and safer for braces and teeth.

Can people with braces eat hulless popcorn? ›

Popcorn hulls can get stuck under braces, where they are very difficult to remove. They can get wedged between teeth and below the gums, causing them to become inflamed and swollen. If you feel you can't live without popcorn, “hulless” popcorn is safer for people with braces.

What is the difference between hulless popcorn and regular popcorn? ›

What does "hulless" mean? It means that once the popcorn is popped, there will be very few of the hard shell-like pieces, hulls, that can be found in all popped corn. There is no truly hulless popcorn or 100% hull free popcorn.

Are popcorn hulls bad for you? ›

Air-popped corn contains less than 100 calories in a serving while corn popped in oil has about twice as many calories. It turns out that the popcorn hull, in spite of its aggravating tendency to get stuck between the teeth, is a nutritional powerhouse.

Why do my braces hurt after eating popcorn? ›

The main reason why many orthodontists do not agree with letting you eat popcorn with braces is because of the hulls. They are the leftover parts of corn seeds which, after becoming hard, still stay in the kernels after popping. These hulls trap in between your braces and are very difficult to remove.

What brand of popcorn has less hulls? ›

Riehle's Select Popping Corn "Hulless" Natural Lite Microwave Popcorn. This is one of the best popcorn kernels that are microwavable and hulless. It's also made from the finest gourmet grown kernels, packaged and shipped from the Riehle Popcorn Farm in Indiana. It is GMO-free, virtually hull-free, and mouthwatering.

How do you get popcorn kernels out of your gums with braces? ›

How to Remove Popcorn Kernel From Gums
  1. Gently floss. Using dental floss, gently floss between the teeth near the affected area. ...
  2. Rinse with warm saltwater. Mix one teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth to dislodge any small pieces that are stuck.
  3. Brush at an angle. ...
  4. Use a water flosser.
Jan 15, 2024

What popcorn doesn't get stuck in your teeth? ›

Looking for the perfect snack that won't get stuck in your teeth? Enter the world of hulless popcorn—a term that has been used by various brands to describe smaller kernels with softer hulls.

Does white or yellow popcorn have less hulls? ›

Typically yellow popcorn kernels come in larger varieties and yield popcorn that has a thicker hull and a higher carotene content displaying a yellowish-orange center.

What is the healthiest type of popcorn? ›

“The healthiest way to eat popcorn is typically air-popped with no oil or butter and minimal salt added,” Walsh says. “However, there are numerous bagged popcorn products that come pretty close to matching the nutritional facts of air-popped popcorn such as SkinnyPop or BoomChickaPop.”

What is the safest popcorn for your teeth? ›

However, hulless popcorn is made from a smaller kernel which is more tender and safer for braces and teeth. In addition, popcorn is a good source of antioxidants which prevent damage to cells in your body. You don't need to give up popcorn with braces, just make sure to eat hulless popcorn!

Is popcorn hard on your colon? ›

Popcorn is high in insoluble fiber, which can cause bloating, distension, and flatulence in some people with IBS. If these symptoms are a problem, it may be better to choose foods high in soluble fiber, such as psyllium, oats, apples, and citrus fruits, instead.

What kind of popcorn is safe to eat? ›

The 10 Best Healthy Popcorn Brands of 2022, According to...
  • How We Chose.
  • Skinny Pop Original.
  • Lesser Evil Himalayan Pink Salt.
  • Quinn Aged Parmesan and Rosemary.
  • Boom Chicka Pop Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn.
  • Bjorn Qorn.
  • Pipcorn Truffle Mini Popcorn.
  • Newman's Own Organic Touch of Butter.
Sep 27, 2022

Can I eat hulless popcorn with braces? ›

When it comes to braces, opt for soft popcorn varieties for braces like mushroom popcorn or hulless popcorn. Not all popcorn is equal, so choosing these options can help ensure your safety while enjoying popcorn with braces.

What chips can you eat with braces? ›

To prevent damaging your braces, you will want to eat softer chips. These include baked chips, regular "classic" chips, puff snacks like cheese curls and veggie straws, and french fries. These are great foods to eat when you're looking for a snack that won't hurt your braces.

What foods can't you eat with braces? ›

Top Ten Foods to Avoid With Braces
  • Popcorn. For the duration of time you have metal braces, you'll need to avoid eating popcorn. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Chewing Gum. ...
  • Hard or Chewy Candy. ...
  • Hard Rolls or Bagels. ...
  • Pretzels, Chips, Taco Shells, and Hard Crackers. ...
  • Pizza Crust. ...
  • Ice.
Apr 5, 2021

Can you eat canned corn with braces? ›

There is always the concern for people with braces about what food is best for them and what they should avoid. Talking about Canned corn, yes, you can eat them because they are soft and tender in texture, so they are less likely to create any challenge for your braces.

Is there hulless microwave popcorn? ›

Choose from 14 specialty varieties of our mouthwatering, whole grain, gourmet popcorn including our virtually hull-free popcorn, ladyfinger hulless microwave popcorn, organic popcorn and organic microwave popcorn! Note:The hull of popcorn is the seed coat, all popcorn has one.

Can I eat popcorn with spacers? ›

Foods to Avoid With Spacers:

Anything crunchy or hard like nuts and pretzels. Popcorn or anything that can get stuck between your teeth and cause problems. Gum or Gummy Candies. Chewing Ice.

Can I eat KFC popcorn chicken with braces? ›

Mostly, all chicken nuggets are the same, a great food option for patients with braces. While we recommend avoiding popcorn chicken varieties due to the extreme crispness and chewiness, the classic nuggets are a great choice!

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