When Was Popcorn Invented
April 19, 2023
Ah, popcorn. The humble snack that can turn an average movie night into a blockbuster hit. But when was this delicious treat first discovered?
Topsy’s is here to take you on a journey through time to uncover the origins of popcorn.
So, grab a bucket of Topsys Popcorn, and let’s dive into the fascinating history of this irresistible snack.
The Origins of Popcorn
Popcorn is a type of corn—specifically the zea mays everta—and it’s been around as long as corn has been cultivated.
It’s believed that popcorn was first discovered by the ancient civilizations of Central and South America thousands of years ago.
The oldest popcorn ever discovered was found in 1948 in the Bat Cave of New Mexico, and it dates back to around 3600 BC. Archaeologists also found popcorn kernels in ancient South American graves, indicating that popcorn was a significant part of their culture.
Ancient tribes would heat kernels over open fires, and the resulting popcorn would be used for a variety of purposes, including decoration, jewelry, and food. Historians also report that it was used by the Aztecs in religious ceremonies as an offering to their gods.
Fast forward a few centuries and popcorn became a popular snack in America. In the 1800s, popcorn vendors started popping up (see what we did there?) at circuses and fairs, and it quickly became a beloved snack food.
Popcorn’s Rise to Popularity
Popcorn got a major boost in popularity thanks to a man named Charles Cretors, a Chicago-based candy store owner. Cretors invented the first mobile popcorn machine in the 1890s by combining steam and heat, which allowed vendors to sell popcorn on a much larger scale.
Charles came up with the process for popping kernels in a mixture of leaf lard and butter oil. The result was a delicious popcorn snack.
This invention changed the popcorn and made it the go-to snack for carnivals, fairs, and movie theaters.
Today, popcorn is one of the most popular snack foods in the world, and it is enjoyed in a variety of ways. From classic buttered popcorn to flavored varieties like caramel and cheddar, there is a popcorn flavor for everyone. There’s simply no denying that popcorn is a snack food that has stood the test of time.
Time for Topsy’s Popcorn!
Now that you know the history of popcorn, take a break and shop at Topsy’s Popcorn. Our flavorful kernels are packed with the sweet saltiness we all know and love.
We offer various tin sizes that make for great gifts both online and at each of our store locations.
When you think of popcorn, Topsy’s should be the only kind that comes to mind!
Visit our website today to place your order.
