Popcorn: Your Favourite Snack, And The Future Of South African Agriculture!

Whether you enjoy popcorn as a movie theatre treat or as an everyday snack, the cultivation of their seeds has many applications. Popcorn is an extravaganza in itself. The pleasantly nostalgic smell that fills the room the rampant popping as you wait for it to be ready to eat. Everything about it is a show and anticipation for good things to come. The popping is caused by the moisture inside the grain that heats up until the steam escapes, causing it to burst open, revealing its tender centre.

It is truly magnificent. It is one of the healthiest snacks on the market when no fat is added and minimal salt. Air popped popcorn contains as little as 30 calories per cup with less than a gram of fat. If you are looking to shed some weight or simply introduce your family to a healthier snack option; popcorn is the answer. The most popular application for corn seeds is popcorn, but also includes the growing of maize, which is a South African staple in form of:

• Mieliemeel (pap)
• Samp (stamp mielies)
• Popcorn
• Mageu (fermented mieliemeel drink)
• Corn

The Nutritional Benefits of Popcorn

• Healthy whole-grain
• Low GI
• Contains no cholesterol
• Contains 8% of your daily required iron intake
• Contains calcium
• Contains magnesium
• Contains potassium
• Contains zinc
• High in fibre

Popcorn; Good and Good for You

• Aids digestion
• Balances insulin and blood sugar levels
• Can help prevent cardiovascular conditions i.e. heart attacks and strokes
• Free radicals prevent cancer and signs of aging
• Helps weight-loss by replacing unhealthy snacks with popcorn (only if you eat them without butter or excessive salt)

Why South Africa is one of the Leading Producers of Popcorn Crops

Maize production in South Africa is the backbone of the economy, and is responsible for keeping the community fed.

Advanced Seed holds the title of South Africa’s Premiere producers and processors of popcorn. We take the finest strain of seeds from North America and plant in the fertile soils of South Africa, creating a high yield and delicious taste.

The success of this production is partly due to the two types of popcorn kernels grown. One “butterflies,” into a fluffy and tender ball, and the other “mushrooms” into a denser ball- which is perfect for sweet applications too!

The advanced production and processing in South Africa allows for a year-round supply of kernels so you will never be without your beloved snack. This is mainly due to the fact that our land provides a fertile enough atmosphere for the harvest to begin in January and February- before anywhere else in the Southern hemisphere.