Popcorn is one of the most beloved snacks in the world, enjoyed by people of all ages. But what many people don't know is that popcorn is actually thousands of years old, with a fascinating history that's still being uncovered today.
In this article, we'll look at the 9000-year history of popcorn, including how it was found in ancient Peru, how it became popular in the U.S., and how it's still a popular movie snack today.
Read on to learn more about this delicious snack and its unique history!
How Ancient Peru Discovered Popcorn
The history of popping corn can be traced back to 4700 BCE. Popcorn kernels believed to be the earliest ever found were uncovered by archaeologists in Peru. Dated to around 5,600 years ago, the kernels were discovered in a tomb at Huaca Prieta, from the Olmec civilization. The Olmecs are generally accepted as the first major civilization to emerge in Mesoamerica. The Olmecs had access to maize, and the technique was probably common knowledge in Peru, if not the whole region.
This discovery is important because it gives us new information about the history of popcorn.
The Olmecs are speculatively but widely recognized as Mesoamerica's pioneering culture, and their contributions to history include the development of writing and epigraphy, popcorn, the number zero, the Mesoamerican calendar, the Mesoamerican ballgame, and possibly the compass.
How did popcorn spread around the world?
Over time, popcorn spread around the world, likely due to its versatility as a food source and its ability to be easily transported. It was especially popular in the Aztec and Mayan cultures of Central America, where it was used for religious ceremonies, food, and even medicine.
The Spanish introduced corn to Europe in the 15th century, and by the early 1800s, it had also made its way into Italian cuisine. Popcorn became popular in England, Germany, and France during the 1600s.
In the 1700s, popcorn began to make its way to the United States. It was initially used as a food source by Native Americans and later by settlers. By the 1800s, popcorn had become a popular snack food in the United States, and it was sold on street corners and at carnivals.
The Rise of Popcorn in the United States
In the early 1880s, a Chicago inventor named Charles Cretor invented a mobile popcorn cart, which has since come to be recognized as the birthplace of modern popcorn. Popcorn became so popular that it was even served at the White House in the late 1800s.
For many decades in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, popcorn was a common breakfast food. As a treat that only cost 5 or 10 cents per bag, popcorn was one of the few things people could afford to eat in abundance during the Great Depression (1929–1939). Popcorn's increased holiday popularity can be attributed to the fact that it never fails to enthrall and delight children.
At the same time, popcorn vendors began to appear in public places, such as parks and carnivals. This made popcorn more accessible to the public, and it quickly became a popular snack.
How Popcorn Became a Movie Snack
In the early 1900s, popcorn began to be sold at movie theaters. This made sense, as popcorn was a cheap and easy snack that could be enjoyed while watching a movie. The popularity of popcorn at movie theaters grew quickly, and soon it became an essential part of the movie-going experience.
Movie theaters began to offer popcorn in more and more varieties. By the 1940s, popcorn was being sold in a variety of flavors, making it the most popular snack at movie theaters.
The Modern Popcorn Market
Today, popcorn is still one of the most popular snacks in the world. It's enjoyed by people of all ages, and it continues to be a staple at movie theaters. The popcorn market is currently estimated to be worth over $3 billion, with Americans consuming over 17 billion quarts of popcorn each year. This makes popcorn one of the most popular snack foods, not just in the United States but around the world.
How is popcorn made today?
Popcorn is still made using the same basic process that was used 9,000 years ago. Popcorn is made by heating kernels of maize until they pop, creating a light and fluffy snack. This is done in a variety of ways, including in a popcorn machine, in an air popper, or in a pot with oil.
Popcorn is also made in a variety of flavors, including butter, cheese, caramel, and even chocolate. This allows people to customize their popcorn to suit their tastes, making it a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.