Popcorn has been around for centuries longer than TV or movies. Ears of popcorn have been discovered in bat caves in Mexico that were 5,600 years old. Popped corn has been found in a southern Utah cave that was 1,000 years old. The explorer Cortez was introduced to this popular snack in 1519 by the Aztec Indians, who not only considered the whole grain a part of their diet but used the popped corn to make ceremonial headdresses, necklaces and ornaments to adorn themselves and statues of their gods.
The colonists learned of this strange food from Native Americans who skewered an oiled cob of corn and held it over a fire until the kernels exploded. These early Americans would then eat the popped corn off of the cob. Colonists invented the first puffed breakfast food by eating popcorn in a bowl with cream or milk.
German brothers Frederick and Louis Rueckheim were responsible for inventing the first flavored popcorn. They poured molasses over popcorn and peanuts and sold it to customers. They later changed the formula so the molasses was drier and crunchier. It was sold in popcorn bags at the Chicago World's fair in 1893. Today, popcorn seasoning choices are limited only by taste and imagination as one can find caramel coated, cheese or chocolate covered, or various fruited, candied or spicy concoctions.
Corn poppers have been around for centuries, as decorated poppers have been found in Peru around the same time of the Aztec Indians. The first modern popcorn machine was invented in Chicago by Charles Cretors in 1888. His concept continues this day and is used in theaters, though the modern versions are powered by electricity instead of gas. Miniature popcorn machines are now sold for residential use.
Popcorn is a corn seed consisting of a hard shell that covers a starchy interior that harbors about 14% water. When exposed to heat the watery content turns to steam and causes enough pressure that the kernel explodes and turns inside out.
This whole grain food provides energy as a complex carbohydrate. 3 cups of popped corn are equal to 1 serving from the grain group and it is full of fiber. Fiber not only provides necessary dietary roughage but slows the digestive process making one feel fuller for a longer period of time. As this snack is naturally fat and sugar free one cup only has 31 calories if air popped and 55 calories if oil popped.
Fun and convenient to enjoy anytime, this historic snack is still offered in various recipes as a delicious gift to celebrate any occasion.
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