The Arkansas Valley of Colorado has a rich history and growing reputation of producing superior tasting produce (seeds). Rocky Ford cantaloupes and watermelons are world-famous for its sweetness. Sweet corn from there matches Olathe sweet corn as the best flavor in the world. When sugar beets were a dominant crop in the Arkansas Valley, the highest concentration of sugar was measured from there. Its tomatoes, peppers, onions, cabbage as well as many other vegetables have no equals in terms of taste from any area of the world.

So what is going on that so many products possess superior taste from there? While plenty of sun, clean and clear water, and good soil all contribute to this phenomenon, the dominant force that makes the Arkansas Valley unique is the daily temperature fluctuations during the growing season. Because of the Arkansas Valley’s altitude (4700 to 3600 ft) and desert-like conditions(low humidity) creates an environment where maximum daily temperatures fluctuations exist more than any other popcorn growing area in the United States. The hot days and cool nights during popcorn grain-filling stage promotes superior carbohydrate or sugar formation into the kernels, which results in a more robust flavor. This means more taste concentrated in the kernel and when you have the opportunity to taste a handful of Mount Popcorn, hot from the popper, you will know what we are talking about!

            Below is a map of the United States that provides objective data which demonstrates the advantage that Colorado has in daily temperature fluctuations relative to the major corn-growing areas. Each location evaluated is represented by a number that is the overall temperature differential during the months of July, August, and September for 30 years (1971 to 2000). Using Omaha, NE as a reference point and as a geographical center of popcorn production, it quickly becomes apparent that locations east and south of Omaha have lower daily temperatures fluctuations. In contrast, locations west and north of Omaha, have greater daily fluctuations in temperature. This is powerful evidence that explains the phenomenon that exists in the Arkansas Valley of Colorado.

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