Chickapea Farms' Artisanal Old-Fashioned Heirloom Popcorn is an heirloom variety because its genetic makeup is virtually identical to the corn/maize that covered North America thousands of years ago. Our Heirloom kernels have been preserved and grown by the same Michigan farming family for four generations. They grow both red and white kernels, preserved through decades of seed saving and cultivation. The kernels are not genetically modified, hybridized, or altered in any way. Healthy Eating. Our Heirloom Popcorn provides a simple, wholesome food enjoyed as a traditional snack, and as our body can best utilize it for healthy eating. It is also recommended as a wholesome snack by medical doctors. Our Heirloom kernels are smaller and pop smaller, but the benefits below also set our Heirloom popcorn apart from other standard, store shelf popcorns, organic or not: Flavor and Purity. Heirloom varieties carry the original traits and diverse full flavor qualities naturally inherited by their region. Our heirloom kernels have kept their authentic nutty flavor. Most modern day popcorn has been genetically altered or hybridized for higher crop yield, longer shelf life, and appearance, rather than flavor. This may also aid food sensitivities which have been linked to hybridization and GMO foods. Tender Hulls. Unlike many conventional popcorn varieties, our Heirloom Popcorn has exceptionally thin and tender hulls that do not commonly stick between teeth or in gum lines, and are often preferred by individuals seeking a gentler intestinal popcorn experience. Nutrition. In addition to authentic flavor, our heirloom kernels retain their natural nutrient profile, offering more nutritional value than processed or hybridized varieties as they are naturally rich in antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients. Biodiversity. Heirloom seeds allow us to produce food in the face of natural disasters such as drought and disease. Hybridized and genetically engineered seed varieties rely on commercial practices, and seeds cannot be saved from year to year for replanting. Heirloom seeds can be seed banked. Year after year, to continue to preserving its unique genetic characteristics, our Heirloom Popcorn farmer handles all aspects of the popcorn. For generations his family has seed banked, planted, sown, grown, cultivated, harvested, cleaned, stored, and supplies to only a few approved sellers; growing only what is required for each year's consumption. This allows the kernels to be peak freshness, resulting in exceptional popping performance with up to 99% of kernels popping.