A Brief History

There is a popular folk myth that deals with popcorn and a farmer named Gonzalo Quádre. He was thought to have "magical" power.
He accidentally discovered popcorn while drying out corn for animal feed. On a hot day, some of the feed "popped" into popcorn, he decided to to keep this discovery a secret. People believed he had the "power" to turn the seed into food and he was worshiped for several decades, he only revealed the truth while he was dying.
Popcorn that was found in a cave in New Mexico is said to be over 5,000 years old, there have also been discoveries of ancient popcorn in Peru, and Utah. Americans and Europeans can thank Native Americans for their love of popcorn. The first Thanksgiving actually included popped corn on it's menu (this is debatable, no evidence). At the world fair in Chicago in 1893, the first popcorn machine was used, but the oldest one that has been discovered actually dates back to 300 A.D..

During the great depression popcorn consumption increased threefold in the United States, popcorn was still readily available, and affordable, while most other snacks were being rationed. Microwave popcorn was introduced in America in 1981, one of the main uses of a microwave today is to make popcorn. It was actually been invented in 1945 by an electronic's expert, Perry Spencer. However, it was not available for purchase the way we pop it now until 1981.

Fun Facts

• Michigan produces popcorn, Yay! The United States grows most of the popcorn that is eaten around the world. Nebraska is the state that produces the most popcorn, but other Midwestern states contribute as well.

• American's are the top the list of popcorn consumption. On average we (Americans) eat 14 billion quarts per year.

• Throughout history popcorn has been enjoy in soup form, beer form and even as a breakfast cereal.

• Popcorn is a member of the grass family.

• Tons of goodness! According to the Guinness Book of World Records (2015) the largest popcorn ball weighed 6,510. This was recorded in 2013 at the Indiana State Fair.

• Popcorn is a whole grain and a low calorie snack.

• That's some high popping! Popcorn kernels can pop up to 3 feet in the air.

• Popcorn is high in protein and antioxidants.

• Popcorn has been used throughout history for decorating. It has been worn, used for funeral purposes and even has statutes dedicated to it. I use it on my christmas tree, do you?

As you can see popcorn is a BIG deal.
As always thanks for reading and be kind.

Sources

https://www.infoplease.com/popcorn

https://www.factretriever.com/popcorn-facts

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popcorn

https://www.popcorn.org/Facts-Fun/Corny-Facts

https://www.pixabay.com