Did you know that popcorn is a whole grain? It’s true! And there are lots of other fun popcorn facts that you may not know. For example, did you know that the world’s largest popcorn ball weighed nearly 1,500 pounds? Or that the average American eats approximately 60 quarts of popcorn each year? Keep reading to learn more interesting popcorn facts. You may be surprised by what you discover!
Historical facts
Popcorn is a food that has been around for ages and still remains popular in many parts of the world. The history behind this humble cinema snack isn’t as short though, with its origin dating back over 5500 years ago!
The salted popcorn that we enjoy today was first recorded by Native Americans who would use popped corn seeds to make sacred prayer strings or other items used during rituals when ceremonial fires were not available due to drought conditions.
The Aztecs also had their own version – it’s called “atl POPOL” where they mixed hot oil with dry maize dough before working on pulverizing them using grinders until there are little pieces left.
It’s hard to believe, but you might have been deprived of your favourite snack in the early 1900s. Popcorn was banned from cinemas because it made such a mess on stage floors.
Americans consumed three times as much popcorn during World War II due to the country’s sugar shortage. Back then popcorn was the most available food in stores, as it was a time when most commodities were sent to troops at war or have been hoarded for storage by those who could afford them.
Physical facts about popcorn
The perfect snack for movie-going, popcorn is made of maize kernels that have been heated and then rapidly cooled in order to form its characteristic fluffy texture. Hence, when you heat up the kernel it expands three times as much on average—making each cup more delicious than before.
Popcorn generally needs to be heated above 400 degrees Fahrenheit in order for the popping process to work properly. A rule of thumb is that if you hear one small explosion, then your temperature has been reached successfully.
If you want perfectly popped salted popcorn at home, do not keep the unpopped kernels in your fridge. As moisture evaporates from cold surfaces and refrigeration cools down quickly even on a hot summer day it can remove up to 75% of this important ingredient for crunchiness.
Nutritional facts about popcorn
Popcorn is a healthy snack that you can enjoy without feeling guilty. Compared to other snacks, it has just 80 calories and no fat, which means you can eat it all day long without feeling guilty.
If you’re looking for a tasty but healthier treat, popcorn doesn’t contain gluten! It’s also the perfect option if your diet restrictions or if you are allergic to gluten and other products of gluten-variety.
How popcorn is perceived by society
Popcorn is a delicious treat that’s enjoyed by many people in the United States. It became an official state snack of Illinois back when it was founded for soldiers who were fighting at Fort Dearborn during The War Of 1812.
Lastly, January 19th is National Popcorn Day in the United States! This annual celebration was created to honour America’s favourite treat–the popcorn. While it is not celebrated on the same day in other countries, popcorn is seen to be a well-loved snack, not just in the United States.
