The Story

Jean Arnold’s childhood memories are full of fluffy popcorn kernels, decks of cards, and family bonding time. Her mother often cooked organic popcorn in the family’s stovetop popper, hand cranking the kernels until they reached crispy perfection. According to Jean, this simple act of popcorn making could take an ordinary event and make it “extra special”.

As an adult, Jean attended Le Cordon Bleu in London, where she learned to experiment with exotic seasonings. She then parlayed her education into the creation of 479° Popcorn. Jean believes in the value of small farmers and fair trade practices, choosing to use products sourced only from sustainable organic farms. Jean uses butter from Straus Family Creamery in Marin County and organic nuts from San Joaquin Valley Farms in Fresno.

How It’s Made

Jean prefers to make her popcorn the artisan way: by hand and in small batches. First, she and her husband Andy use heavy copper kettles to pop the corn. After the batch is popped, buttery, organic caramel is added to the kettle and the popcorn is tossed. Your Fleur de Sel tasting is special, as it was sprinkled with natural salt crystals, adding a slight oceanic flavor to the buttery caramel goodness. Not all batches of 479° Popcorn are created equally, however. Jean often has “dud” batches that customers never see.

Foodie Popcorn Sampler - $35.00

Fleur de Sel Caramel: Delicate French salt sprinkled over caramel-drenched organic popcorn, for an interplay of sweet and salty.

Ginger Sesame Caramel: Buttery caramel infused with organic ginger and generously sprinkled with toasted organic sesame seeds. A display of tingly heat, gentle sweetness and nutty finish.

Black Truffle + Aged White Cheddar: Organic white cheddar and musky black truffles, for the most sophisticated snacker.

Madras Coconut Curry + Cashew: Our organic Madras curry blend, toasted organic coconut, and whole spiced cashews. A delectable savory delight.

Alderwood Smoked Sea Salt: A drizzle of organic olive oil and sea salt smoked over genuine Northwest Red Alderwood, for the popcorn purist.