Popcorn as a food prep?

[Guest USMC 2013]

I was at Sam's Club this weekend and saw a good deal on a 50lb bag of popcorn. Here's my question, does it have any value as a food prep beyond popping corn? Thanks,

Joe

[Makiaveli]

Unless my mind is failing, it stores well and is a good source of fiber.

If you mean calorie to weight/size ratios and all that, then I am less than useful on that scale

[Caster]

You could but you get more mileage out of a 50lb bag of rice.

[Guest ochretoe]

It works really well in my muzzle-loader for birds and squirrels. It won't chip paint on the house either.

[peejman]

Might be nice to have as a change of pace, but you'll get a lot more nutritional mileage out of 50lbs of rice or oats.

[Xtarheel]

Rice would a much more versatile food supply, but as far as nutritional value of popcorn vs. rice, they are pretty much equal. Slightly more protein, iron and fiber from popcorn, but more calcium from the rice. As far as calories per pound, they are equal. Personally, fifty pounds of popcorn seems excessive, but a few pounds would be a nice change of diet.

[Sheepdog]

Not recommended. As popcorn ages, it dries out. The less water it contains, the less likely it is to pop.

[Jamie Jackson]

Grind it into cornmeal.

It can be rough on a grinder like a Back to Basic, but an inexpensive Corona type should handle it well. But it'll take several passes.

It should store a long time, especially in Mylar with o2 absorbers. And the price will probably rise dramatically after this years drought.

I don't know about you guys, but I love cornbread.

[hkgonra]

I am guessing I have 250lbs of beans and 500lbs of rice, wouldn't hurt to get some corn as well. How much was it ?

[Jamie Jackson]

Just an FYI.

I store corn that I picked up from Tractor Supply. It's twice cleaned and makes fine cornmeal. I've had it a few years, but iirc it was only around $7.00/25# when I purchased it.

[Makiaveli]

Not recommended. As popcorn ages, it dries out. The less water it contains, the less likely it is to pop.

Yea would need to be sealed or you will get crappy results. I've heard that soaking will help resurrect it, but never tried it.

[Guest USMC 2013]

I am guessing I have 250lbs of beans and 500lbs of rice, wouldn't hurt to get some corn as well. How much was it ?

I forget the exact amount, but it was between $20-$25 for 50lbs.

Joe

[Guest USMC 2013]

Grind it into cornmeal.

It can be rough on a grinder like a Back to Basic, but an inexpensive Corona type should handle it well. But it'll take several passes.

It should store a long time, especially in Mylar with o2 absorbers. And the price will probably rise dramatically after this years drought.

I don't know about you guys, but I love cornbread.

Yeah, I've done so more research and it makes awesome cornmeal!!! That means cornbread, hushpuppies and fried catfish post apocalypse!!! Hell yes!!!

Of course, it will be sealed up for long term storage in food grade plastic buckets with O2 absorbers. Check out this prepper lady making awesome cornbread...

http://www.simplylivingsmart.com/2011/09/cornbread.html

Joe

[JAB]

I think for me popcorn would serve a valuable function beyond basic nutrition. I am talking about morale. Popcorn is one of my favorite crunchy snacks - maybe my favorite.

You could also make a pretty simple treat by heating some molasses to a soft 'candy' state then stirring in some popcorn and letting it cool. One episode of Alton Brown's "Good Eats" focused on popcorn and he said he likes to save some without butter or salt and eat it with a little sugar and milk as a breakfast cereal.

Such things would, as others have said, be a nice change in the diet. Once again, at least for me, that would have an impact on my morale which would, in turn, impact my chances of survival. That is part of the reason I like the idea of cooking various soups/stews and so on and then home canning them - variety. Unlike some folks, I don't store huge quantities of beans and rice and doubt I ever will (by huge quantities, I mean several buckets - I'll probably do a bucket or two, eventually.) If there were a long term 'event', after about a week or two of living mainly on beans and rice I'd be ready to join the zombies as 'live brains' would start sounding like a pretty good alternative.

[KaNuckles]

I would say if you kept it well sealed it would last a good while. I have some popcorn that is 12 years old and still pops. AND it would be nice to have as a treat for shtf. Especially if you have kids. I would try it. I saw those bags last time i was at Sam's and I thought about it, too.

Edited August 9, 2012 by KaNuckles

[Guest dmarcin]

I just tried grinding some popcorn. Wore me out. Tried making corn bread and wasn't impressed by the taste. Won't try it again. Much prefer ground field corn.

[Jamie Jackson]

I just tried grinding some popcorn.Wore me out. Tried making corn bread and wasn't impressed by the taste. Won't try it again. Much prefer ground field corn.

Absolutely. Incredibly hard stuff isn't it?

I've found it takes several passes, and yes the taste is "different"...but it'll store many, many years and to me...it beats going without.

I totally agree with quality field corn for taste and texture...but there is usually still enough of a moisture content to make most field corn a challenge for long term storage.

[tnhawk]

Popcorn and beer were major parts of my diet for awhile after I got divorced.