Selhorst Farm in Ascheberg: Popcorn from the Münsterland region

Idea came on a business trip to the USA

Christoph's wife Christina Selhorst came up with the idea of growing popcorn maize in Münsterland on a business trip to the USA: "A lot of popcorn maize is grown there, which is then imported to Germany, among other places," says the 28-year-old, who grew up on a farm in Senden. One question stuck with her afterwards: "Why don't we actually do that?" Because the climate conditions in Germany are not ideal for it - but feasible, as was to be seen with the first small harvest in 2019: picked by hand and dried in the bedroom, the quantity was enough for friends and family. And they were thrilled with the small, very tender flakes.

In 2020, the seeds were then sown on a larger scale, and in autumn an almost antique cob-picking machine from a friend was used. They were dried in a room specially set up for this purpose and then lovingly bottled by hand. "When the inspector gave us the green light in terms of food safety, we started marketing," reports the agricultural science graduate, who now works as a journalist.

The Münsterland popcorn quickly became nationally known via Instagram - and in high demand: "We received enquiries from everywhere, from private individuals and businesses," says Christina Selhorst, adding: "The popcorn is a high-priced, regional product and therefore something very special." And we want it to stay that way: "We see our corn less on supermarket shelves and much more in the farm shops in Münster and the Münsterland region. In this way, we can give farmers from the region a face - and respond to a wonderful development: People are placing more and more value on supporting regional agriculture."

Christoph and Christina now even hire out their popcorn machine with regional popcorn maize for events.