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Fresh Origins | Homepage |
Description/Taste
Popcorn shoots are small in size, averaging 5-10 centimeters in length, and have elongated slender leaves with a short stem. The flat, thin leaves are delicate and have smooth, even edges that connect into a bright white, skinny stem. The leaves can be light green or white to yellow, depending on exposure to light. Popcorn shoots are tender, moist, and crisp with a very sweet, mild corn flavor and grassy, tart undertones.
Seasons/Availability
Popcorn shoots are available year-round.
Current Facts
Popcorn shoots are the tiny, edible versions of corn grown from popcorn kernels and are grown at Fresh Origins Farm in San Diego, California. Also known as Popcorn microgreens, Popcorn shoots are harvested 14-25 days after sowing and are grown in lightless conditions, also known as blanching, to prevent photosynthesis. This process produces vibrant yellow leaves since the shoots are unable to produce chlorophyll which gives plants its green coloring. Popcorn shoots are most popularly used by restaurant chefs as a sweet and crunchy garnish.
Nutritional Value
Popcorn shoots contain vitamins A, B, C, and E, iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Applications
Popcorn shoots are best suited for raw applications as they cannot withstand high heat preparations. Their sweet flavor and unusual color allow the shoots to be commonly used as a garnish in both sweet and savory dishes. The shoots can be used on top of meat dishes, mixed into salads, scrambled with eggs, or even wrapped into burritos or sandwiches. Popcorn shoots pair well with cherry tomatoes, lettuce, dark, leafy greens, grilled sweet corn, meats such as chicken or fish, soy sauce, and wasabi. They will keep up to ten days when stored unwashed, covered to prevent light from penetrating the sealed container, and in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Popcorn shoots became increasingly popular in the 1990s-2000s when microgreens were created and introduced into the culinary industry. Since then the tiny greens have continued to gain awareness, and the National Public Radio deemed microgreens one of the top buzzwords in the food industry in 2008. Today Popcorn shoots are widely used by pastry chefs, especially in Europe, to add a sweet and tender flavor to desserts and baked goods. The shoots are valued for their unusual color, flavor, and texture to elevate and add visual appeal to the presentation of dishes.
Geography/History
Popcorn shoots were created during the 1990s-2000s in California as a part of the booming microgreen trend, used by high-end chefs to elevate the dining experience. Today Popcorn shoots are available at select specialty grocers, online seed catalogs, and select distributors in the United States and Europe.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
Raki Raki (Little Italy) | San Diego CA | 858-302-6405 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Shoots Popcorn. One

Hallmark Channel |
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Primavera Pizza with Popcorn Shoots |