Snack: Wasabi Popcorn
Brain Booster Rating: 6 out of 10. This whole grain snack isn’t just for the movies! Popcorn is not only full of fiber and antioxidants but also is high in vitamin B6, which helps produce neurotransmitters—the chemical that ensures communication between brain cells.
Equipment: Microwave, Measuring spoon
Ingredients: Popcorn, Butter, Wasabi, Sugar, Salt

Thanks to my brother, I’ve learned to be neurotic about other people’s chewing habits. The boy who sits next to me in Business Ethics isn’t helping the situation. At the University of Cape Town, everybody walks around campus with huge carnival-esque bags of popcorn. As the clock strikes 11:02 and I’m starting to feel confident that he’ll be a no-show, he slides into his seat, noisily unwraps his popcorn, and chomps away while my blood slowly boils. He never disappoints. One more lip smack and I could have a panic attack. It won’t be pretty.

At home, I eat wasabi peas when I study. But I told myself that while studying abroad I’d be open to new things. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right? Well, when in South Africa, I’ll eat popcorn as my classmates do. Except it’s not that easy. Another thing I’ve learned from my brother is the value of being a control freak. Give up my wasabi peas entirely? Not gonna happen. And so wasabi popcorn is born…

Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Then pop a bag of plain microwavable popcorn according to package instructions. In the meantime, mix 2 teaspoons of prepared wasabi (or to taste), ½ teaspoon sugar and ½ teaspoon salt into melted butter. When the microwave calls for you, drizzle the wasabi topping over the popped kernels and shake to cover. Just remember, if you’re going to eat this study snack in class, please, for all of us, chew with your mouth closed.

Wasabi not your thing, but still craving popcorn?

Mix cinnamon sugar or curry and parmesan into melted butter. Or melt chocolate and peanut butter or honey mustard, and add to the popcorn after it’s popped.

Lucy Dana is a junior at Duke University, currently spending the semester in Cape Town, South Africa where she is trying to muster up the courage to conquer the world’s highest bungee jump. Read More…