Who Invented Popcorn?

For most people popcorn is just a snack that people take during TV or movie-time. But have you wondered where it came from? Popcorn is an American snack, no doubts about it, but did it originally come from America?

Now that's a BIG question...

The answer, as you will see, is not so straight forward. This page will attempt to provide the best possible answer that is out there.

So find out more about popcorn and how it has come through time to be the gourmet snack we enjoy so much today.

The Theories of Popcorns

Some people said that it is the Native American Indians who have invented the popcorns. However, exactly which tribe and where exactly the location was is not very answered. 

Native American Indians were thought to have discovered popcorn by throwing whole ears of corn on the fire and it then popping.  They would eat it as a snack and also use it for decoration and jewelry.

In a bat cave in New Mexico, an oldest ear of popcorn was found. This ear of corn was dated to be 4,000 years old!

--> It is also discovered that the Aztecs used popcorn in Mexico in 1519 as food and décor.

--> And, the Peruvian Indians used popcorn in the 16th century.

Popcorn Through the History

Popcorn can be found all over the world.  As mentioned, though, its main growing grounds are in the United States.  However, it can be found anywhere that corn can be grown.

In early America the colonists used popcorn as a breakfast food.  They would use sweetened milk to pour over it as a breakfast cereal. Pretty similar to what we have today for the children. :)

Popcorns was very popular in the United States during the 1930s, ie. The Great Depression.  Sweet treats and most treats, actually, were at a minimum due to rationing. Popcorn, however, was still widely available and was the snack of choice.

Popcorn has been used in many different situations from street vendors to movie theaters to ball parks.

With the invention of the microwave and the introduction of microwave popcorn, this snack saw a surge in popularity once again.  People began eating popcorn at home more than ever before.

Popcorn Today

Today popcorn stays with the times and continues to be a favorite snack due to the introduction of gourmet popcorn.  The many flavor combinations has made popcorn one of the most versatile snacks on the market.

Gourmet flavors can make popcorn a sweet chocolate treat, a spicy snack or a simple delight with culinary undertones of rosemary and sage.  Almost any flavor you can imagine has been put together with popcorn.

Popcorn has come a long way since its beginnings on the fire.  It is no longer just a nice snack. It fills the need for many snackers from dieters to gourmet enthusiast.

Popcorn today is anything but ordinary and boring.