The Progression of Popcorn

Archaeologists have established proof that popcorn had been around since before the arrival of the Europeans in the New World—and that the ancestors of most Native American tribes were eating popcorn prior to the birth of Christ.

In 1519, the explorer Cortes caught his first glimpse of popcorn when he met up with the Aztec Indians, for whom it was an important food. They also used it in ceremonial headdresses, statue decoration, and the like.

The use of popcorn as a snack would seem to be confirmed by the writings of the Spaniard Cobo, in 1650, in reference to the Peruvian Indians: "They toast a certain kind of corn until it bursts. They call it pisancalla, and they use it as a confection."

But it was the use of the moldboard plow in the mid-1800s that led to the widespread planting of maize in the U.S.—it could not only cut furrows but could turn the soil as well, reducing the time needed to prepare a field of maize for planting. This “popping corn” expands from the kernel and puffs up when it is heated.

By 1900, Charles D. Cretors had introduced the Special, the first large horse-drawn popcorn wagon, which was an immediate success. Cretors also invented the first popcorn machine with an electric motor. Commercial popcorn poppers in theaters and the like gained popularity following his invention. In 1949, Gold Medal came out with the 6-ounce Pop-A-Lot^® kettle, and who can forget Jiffy Pop of the 1960s (I was mesmerized). But it wasn’t until the late 1970s that hot air popcorn poppers became available for home use.

And--it would seem--the final step in the progression, microwave popcorn was introduced by General Mills in 1981. Of course, one can also buy pre-popped, packaged popcorn produced by such companies as Rocky Mountain Popcorn, Smartfood, and Cracker Jack. Many varieties and flavors are available.

Popcorn has come a long way since the kettle variety Ma Ingalls probably made. There’s no real effort required anymore. No mystery inherent in that first popping sound. I still hope that my grandkids can one day experience homemade (not microwave) popcorn so they can watch those kernels burst before their eyes and marvel over the physics of it.

Americans eat an average of eleven gallons of popcorn a year—yes, that’s per American. Popcorn is high in fiber and low in fat, making it an arguably healthy choice…depending, of course, on what one puts on it. One thing is for certain—popcorn is a popular snack.