Popcorn Invention

Popcorn is the number one snack of America, and for most of people it’s just one tasty snack to have in pastime, but many of us do wonder that from where this tasty treat comes? We all know that it is a truly American snack but we are not sure that whether it was invented in America or in some other part of the world. So this article is an effort to reveal the best available information regarding the invention of popcorn, it is quite interesting.

The most common theory about the invention of popcorn is that these were invented by the Native Americans who eat it as snack and also used them as jewelry and decorations. The Native American Indian used to throw the kernels of corn on fire until they pop and jump out of the fire in the shape of tasty popcorn. Later The English who came to America in the 16th and 17th centuries learned about popcorn from the Native Americans and since then popcorn spread all over the country and became the most famous snack in America. The oldest kernels of popcorn were found in the caves of New Mexico and these were dated 3600 BCE. The most interesting thing is that these kernels were still good to pop.

Popcorn traveled throughout the world and are now consumed everywhere. But America is number one in the production and consumption of this tasty snack. The tradition of popcorn is very rich in America, the early colonists used to eat these as breakfast cereal with sweetened milk, and these were also presented as gifts by natives to the guests and foreign dignities. It was the cheapest food in America during great depression and World War II. Nowadays popcorns are produced in different parts of the world in small quantities to meet the demands of local people.

In America, selling popcorn at streets and parks became a very profitable business and many people adopted it as their sole source of earning. But after the invention of electric small size popcorn poppers, people started to make this tasty snack at their home, and today manufacturing and selling of popcorn makers is one of the biggest industries in America. These are still sold today in different theme parks, stores counters and outside movie theaters.  

Popcorns have passed through many ages in America, it is the oldest and tastiest snack available to date, it is one of the most widely consumed items in America, its popularity can be judged by the fact that now people have mixed different flavors to this snack like butter, caramel, chocolate, cheese etc, and every single flavor is admired. There are different other snacks also available in market and they do heavy advertisement for promotion but still popularity and positioning of popcorn is unbeaten.

Popcorns are indeed the snack of America as these were invented here, are produced here in large quantity and of course we consume popcorn more than any other country of the world. 

Popcorn Fun Facts

We eat popcorn daily in large quantity without giving it a second thought. Popcorns are not just snack; these have become a tradition and way of life in America. Some of us knows very little about popcorn but still consume it daily and admire its taste. For a snack so famous, we ought to know a bit about it. This article comprises of some funny and interesting facts about our beloved snack.

1. We Americans consume around 17 million quarts of popcorn annually, in average a single American consume 54 quarts of popcorn annually, this data revealed that Americans consume popcorn more than any other country of 

the world. Even China can’t beat America in eating popcorn despite of its large population.

2. Majority of Americans consume popcorn at home, they either make popcorn at home or buy pre popped corns from the grocery stores, about 70% Americans enjoy this snack at home and 30% enjoy it outside at places like theme parks, sport events and Movie Theaters.

3. United States of America is the largest grower of popcorn in the world; the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska and Ohio are largest grower of popcorns in USA. There are many Midwest cities that claim to be the popcorn capitals of the world. 

4. Most amount of popcorn is consumed in the seasons of fall and winter, and October is the national popcorn 

popping month.

5. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the world's largest popcorn ball was unveiled in September 2006 in Lake Forest, Illinois. It weighed a whopping 3,423 pounds and measured 8 feet in diameter. The total circumference of the popcorn ball was 24.5 feet. It took employees of a local popcorn tin company 2 days to make the giant-sized snack.

6. Popcorns have high nutritional values and these are the healthiest snack available today, It contains less calories and large amount of iron and vitamins. It is naturally sugar free, contains no sodium and is rich in fiber.

7. Popcorn is the member of maize corn family and it is the only type that pops.

8. It is said that popcorn can jump up to 3 ft high when it pops. It’s worth giving a shot to see this marvelous act of popcorn.

9. If you wanted to create a line of popped popcorn from LA to NY City, you'd need more than 352,028,160 pieces of popcorn.

10. Popcorn is the official snack of the Illinois state.

11. Some Native American folklore theorized that a spirit living inside each kernel of popcorn was the reason it popped when heated. As the kernels were heated, it was said that the spirit got angry and burst from his home into the air as a puff of steam.

 Popcorn are easy to make snacks, these can be cooked in a traditional pan or in some modern available popcorn makers, the taste of popcorn remain amazing no matter what method is used in popping them. 

History of Popcorn

For many years, peoples are growing and eating popcorn in America. The oldest ears of popcorn were found in the bat caves of New Mexico, these were 4000 years old. It is believed that Native Americans were the first to discover popcorn. They used to make popcorn by putting the kernels into fire until they jump out into the form of popcorn. The natives not only used popcorn as snack but they also used these as decoration pieces and jewelry. Likely the Native Americans introduced popcorn to the American colonists who actually ground it up mixing it with milk for breakfast.

In the mid of 1800s the farmers used various equipments to plant maize/corn in large areas of land, the popping of corn became so popular that it become a recreational activity by 1840s. In the later parts of the 19^th century, popcorn became very famous snack and was commonly sold at different carnivals, circuses and grocery stores as well.

With the introduction of movies the positioning of popcorn become solid in USA, as eating popcorn in Movie Theater became a famous trend. Initially, the Movie Theater owners didn’t allow to sell popcorn within the theaters because these were messy, but people began to bring popcorn with them, so considering the popularity of this snack, all the theaters started selling popcorn within the movie theaters. This introduction of popcorn to movie theaters enabled the popcorn industry to keep growing even during the great depression of the 1930s. In addition, popcorn was a relatively affordable luxury even for struggling families as they could buy it for just 5 to 10 cents a bag.

The sugar shortage in World War II caused American people to lose their favorite snack i.e., candy, the shortage of candy brought significant increase in the consumption of popcorn as people replaced popcorn to candy. The consumption of popcorn increased 3 times than before. World War II also induced a baking flour shortage which the popcorn industry capitalized on. Bread makers were forced to substitute 25% ground popcorn for their wheat flour.

Popcorn industry faced a slump in early 1950s, when television was introduced. After the introduction of television, people stopped going to the theaters and preferred to enjoy television programs at home, as the theaters and parks were vacated, so the consumption of popcorn reduced dramatically. But after a while, with the introduction of popcorn makers, people started to make popcorn at home and started enjoying this tasty snack at home.

To date, popcorn is the most famous snack in America and is enjoyed by every person of every age.

Top 3 Commercial Popcorn Makers

Popcorns are one of the most famous and tasty snacks of USA.  Popcorns are popular in every state, and their popularity has gone so far that now the official snack food of Illinois is popcorns.  People are consuming popcorns for many years now, and other snacks have tried to take over its position, but no one has been successful so far. Selling popcorn is a great business to do in America as its sales increases every year. People enjoy popcorns whenever they go to fun parks or movie theatres. In short enjoyment is incomplete without popcorns. So for those who sell popcorns or want to start the business of selling popcorns, this list will be very helpful.

1. Star G8 – Y Commercial Popcorn Machine

It is the best machine for commercial use because of its quality and size. It is an electric Popcorn Maker and is ideal for any concession stand. It can make up to 8 ounces of delicious popcorns; therefore can satisfy the needs of customers and helps in generating more sales. This machine is very stylish and durable; it is made of stainless steel framing with heavy duty aluminum posts. The plexiglass door makes it eye catching. The quality of popcorns made by using this machine is amazing, hardly any kernel remain unpopped in this machine. Its price range is from $1,168 to $1,303, so it is a great investment for generating income for long time.

2. Paragon 1911 1911-4 Commercial Popcorn Machine

Paragon is one of the leading brands of Popcorn Makers; it has been making great quality popcorn makers for many years. Paragon Original 1911 Brand 4 is a great machine for commercial usage as it provides both quality and quantity; it makes tasty popcorns every time. This machine uses oil for making popcorns, unlike other modern machines that uses hot air. Its price range is from $300 to $399; therefore it is a very good choice for those who have very low investment and wants to start their own business. The bonus point of this machine is that it comes with lifetime warranty.

3. Gold Medal 2660A Popcorn Machine and Cart

Popcorn cart is a traditional way of selling popcorns. It is convenient to carry around in parks and localities.  Gold Medal is one of the finest brands that make popcorn machines and carts. Gold Medal 2660A Popcorn Machine and Cart is one of the best carts available in the market. It comes with best quality and makes delicious popcorns. This machine is ideal for starting a small business of selling popcorns. With the help of cart, it can be easily carried to parks, movie theaters and other localities as well; therefore, it enables high sales. Its price is around $1214 and is easily available online.  It is ideal for those who can’t rent a shop or a counter for selling popcorns.

These are the top three commercial popcorn makers and are ideal for starting a new small business. See here for all you need to know about Popcorn Poppers.