First we have corn nuts, a novel marketable incarnation of parched corn that was in Native American diets for generations offering high crunch and flavor as a replacement to popcorn.

The freshness and quality of corn nuts are also influenced by several factors among them storage. Extended shelf life can be extended by refrigeration and freezing while airtight containers will help reduce oxidation rates.

What Makes Them So Addictive?

This snack is salty and crunchy, somewhere between pop-corn and potato chip. On top of that, it’s super cheap — often selling for under 25 cents an ounce at gas station markets — which has made it popular with fans who even swear their loyalty on message boards across social media!

Corn nuts are a modern take on an ancient threat: parched corn. Dried kernels, which were among the most lightweight but nutritionally dense food, were carried by Indians and pioneers along with them on long journeys.

An easy, quick, snack food to transport on the Oregon Trail offered parched corn, which needed soaked in no water and then no preparation before eating. Finally, it did not take much pocket space in your pockets as you made your way down its path.

Holloway first produced his version — known then as Olin’s Brown Jug Toasted Corn — for sale in 1936 and today it is a nationally sold brand, available in the vast majority of grocery stores in America today. Today, Cuzco corn grown specifically to be processed into corn nuts is run through up to 12,000 tons annually in its Winham Street factory in Greenfield.

Ranch (my personal favorite), BBQ, and Chile Picante con Limon are all flavors that Greenfield Plant produces an array of. That means each flavor is made with natural ingredients, so no whey, milk, or eggs turn this snack into a 100% plant based gluten free treat, which means vegans can enjoy this treat while on the go.

Texture

Corn nuts may come as a surprise to you whilst wandering down the nut aisle at your grocery store as they come beteyesen peanuts and pistachios. These crunchy little snackers aren’t nuts at all, but they are made up of whole grain kernels lightly fried or roasted to add flavor and taste similar to nuts (with a bit of sweetness added just for good measure).

An extremely convenient and delicious snack, corn nuts are great for the on the go, as well as when dining at home. You can then add them to salads or bake with them or even pour them on top of yogurt or ice cream, and add more nutritional benefits such as iron and fiber plus energy provided by carbohydrates! Although corn nuts are not the healthiest option, they do include several crucial things that your body needs to give out energy.

But if you can give up the fried versions that pile on usually about 130 calories an ounce, with some salty versions having up to 180 mg of sodium a serving (Yum), healthier baked options may make an appearance.

Picking through the corn nuts, choose the ones with lowest sodium and fat content. These types will have less calories and saturated fat compared to their fried alternatives. The best before date would be printed on the front or side of each package so you know when the best flavor and texture will be, but proper storage can actually extend their shelf life longer than this date; moisture does it in a big way and destroys shelf life; keeping them cool and dry is key.

Flavor

For salty snack lovers, try roasted corn kernels, either chile picante or cheddar flavored. The best thing though is you can customize your grown up graham crackers by adding in garlic powder, onion powder, some paprika and/or pepper for a little extra flavor, perfect road trip snack. Plus they complement other dishes like ceviche, grilled vegetables or salads with their zesty bites of crunchiness.

How corn nuts are cooked and what flavorings are added also means they can be high in sodium, so enjoy them only occasionally.

Sounds like Olin Huntington, the guy who created our classic American roasted corn nuts back in 1936 as an inexpensive bar snack to distribute free. When California began legislating to prevent watering holes from giving away free food, Huntington changed his original invention to Corn Nuts, and began selling them through retail outlets.

Snacks are now more than ever coming in all sorts of flavor. They are found in most grocery stores or in special food retailers. As you compare pricing and customer ratings, pay attention to the ingredients of the brand you’re selecting, as well as customer reviews. Additionally, look at whether the company offers organic or non GMO choices alike your wellness preferences.

Roasted corn, who knew it could be so easy! All you need to make it yourself at home are some dried hominy or another large kernel dried corn, like that sold by Goya as giant white corn (maize mote pelado). Baking and seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika for extra flavor they are great salad toppings or tops for soups and ceviche.

Aroma

Plus, while many trail mixes are loaded with too much added sugar, not enough protein, and low in protein they have the perfect balance of crunchy with their crunchy corn kernels and the fresh herbs that accompany them – not to mention being significantly lower in fat than most nuts which is why corn nuts make such an ideal low fat snack for people wishing to lower their overall dietary fat intake.

They also can provide crunchy morsels of texture and flavor to salads, charcuterie boards, soups and stews, cocktails or as garnishes on cocktails—easy snacks that home chefs can make their own versions of an iconic American treat!

While corn nuts may taste like a modern-snack invention, they actually have centuries of history. Modern versions were first brought to America shortly after Prohibition ended, bought by Oakland Entrepreneur Olin Huntington as a cheap treat in 1936, and offered in bars and taverns around Oakland CA as cheap bar snacks.

He had originally prepared his recipe using domestic corn, but after reading another about the white Cusco maize of Peru (also called choclo), he started using it instead, found national fame when sold by Nabisco.