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. 

Top 5 Snacks For Pass Time

                                                     

Everyone love snacks don’t we? Watching games or enjoying family fun time is incomplete without enjoying it with snacks. There are hundreds of different snacks eaten nowadays all around the states, the choices of snacks vary from people to people and place to place. Below is a list of the top five snacks in the US. 

1. Popcorns

Popcorns are the oldest and most favorite snack. They are made from whole grains, which are good for health. They are 100% natural that is why they are favored by people of all ages. Popcorns are at the top of the list of best snacks because of their taste and no other snacks available in the market have this kind of taste. They can be cooked easily at home with machines like popcorn makers and popcorn poppers. The great thing about popcorns is that ingredients like chocolate, cheese and butter add an extra flavor to them. These qualities make popcorns the favorite snack for pass time.

2. Potatoes Chips

Potatoes chips are common snacks and are consumed in large quantity especially by kids. Potatoes  chips usually contain high amounts of fat and that is the reason why many people avoid eating them. People like to look smart whereas Chips make them chubby. Therefore, this snack is hot among kids and teens. This negative aspect of chips makes it number two in our list of best pass time snacks.

3. Cookies

Cookies are also among the favorite snacks of America; it is very popular among kids, teens, adults and old people alike. Cookies are made with different flavors. The most famous flavor is chocolate chip. Cookies are mostly enjoyed with milk, tea or coffee. It’s also a healthy snack.

4. Jerky

Jerky comes at number four in best snacks list for pass time. As a jerky is made of meat so it contains high calories and therefore it is not preferred by old people including people with high cholesterol and heart problems. It is a heavy snack and cannot be consumed in large quantity at one time. It is best enjoyed with cheese.

5. Cheese Puffs

Cheese is loved by everyone in America especially kids. It is eaten with popcorns, chips and jerky but the most famous snack that comes with cheese is a cheese puff. This is a puff corn snack coated with mixture of cheese or cheese flavored powder. Cheese puffs are widely preferred by children because of their delicious taste.  Cheese puffs are a very healthy snack for children.  But aged people avoid eating cheese puffs because of high calories; therefore this holds the fifth position in our list of top five snacks for pass time.

These are the top five snacks for pass time. For more interesting articles on popcorns, visit our lens on squidoo 

Top 5 Popcorn Flavors

                                                

Popcorns are the most favored snacks of all time. The best time to enjoy popcorns is while watching live sports or enjoying family fun activities.  Popcorn is probably one of the world’s oldest and best-loved snacks. Today, there are different flavors of popcorn available in the market, but following are the top five flavors of popcorns:

1. Original Flavor

Though there are different flavors of popcorns available in the market, but the best flavor of popcorn is its original flavor. It is true that there is no alternate of the genuine things.  Original flavor of popcorn is so aromatic and delicious that we can hardly express. It is because of this flavor that people are eating popcorns for thousands of years. The best taste of popcorn is its original taste; therefore it is placed at the top of the list.

2. Popcorns with Butter

Butter is a highly concentrated form of fluid milk.  Butter is a very tasty and healthy food and the best thing about butter is that it makes other things tasty too. When two tasty things combines, a new delicious thing came into existence, so popcorns with butter is very delicious treat for everyone. When butter is added to the popcorns, the taste of the popcorn changes and becomes great.  So butter with popcorns is a great combination and therefore it comes at second place in our list.

3. Chocolate Coated Popcorn

Just like butter, chocolate is another amazing product, it is also added to the flavor of different products.  Chocolate is a delicious dessert, which is derived from cocoa beans and is favored by people of all ages. Chocolate coated popcorns tastes great and many people prefer to eat this flavor than any other flavor of popcorn. Chocolate coated popcorns are easily available and are indeed a very tasty treat for different occasions.  This flavor of popcorn is placed at third position in our list.

4. Cheddar Popcorn

Cheddar Cheese Popcorn is mostly filled with cheddar or other kinds of cheese. Cheddar popcorn is one of the favorite flavors of popcorn lovers.  Popcorns with cheese are loved by children; and cheddar is the most famous and widely used cheese in popcorns. Popcorn with cheese tastes delicious and is perfect treat for almost any occasion. Cheese is good for health so as popcorns, therefore this combination makes healthy and tasty snack. This flavor stands at fourth place in our list.

5. Caramel Popcorn

Caramel is another very tasty flavor of popcorns.  Caramel popcorns is a delicious snack and easy to make at home.  In making of caramel popcorns, initially corns are popped in a normal way then afterwards they are sprinkled with fresh caramel. Once caramel melts, it makes tasty treat, this popcorn’s flavor is favored especially by children because of its sweet taste. This sweet popcorn flavor comes at fifth place in our list.

There are many other flavors of popcorns available in the market, but we selected the above-mentioned flavors because these are the most famous and delicious ones and can be easily made at home using any popcorn maker.

Top Facts About Popcorns

                                                        

Popcorns are no doubt the best snacks for pass time. The most attractive and appealing thing about popcorns is that everyone likes their taste.  In United States, popcorn is at the fourth position in the list of generally consumed grains after whole wheat, whole oats and whole grain corn, and now popcorns have become the favorite snack all around the world. Popcorn is a very healthy snack because it has a wide variety of nutrients.  According to a Journal of the American Dietetic Association, “popcorn eaters consume more than twice as many whole grains and more than 22% more fiber than people who don’t eat popcorn.” Following are the some facts relating to nutritional values of popcorns.

1. Popcorns Contain More Proteins Than any Other Cereal 

Popcorns have high nutritional values than any other available cereal. 100 grams of popcorns contain 12 grams of protein; this percentage is not found in any other cereal available in the market. This makes popcorns as a very healthy choice unlike other snacks.

2. Popcorns Contain More Iron Than Eggs 

Popcorns are even healthier and have more iron than eggs, peanuts and spinach.  100 grams of popcorns contain 22% iron, therefore they are very good for the human body especially for kids. This percentage of iron is not even present in eggs because eggs contain only 10% iron. So eating 100 grams of popcorns is more nutritious than eating eggs in terms of iron presence. Popcorns can be a very healthy diet for kids having iron deficiencies.

3. Popcorns Contain More Energy Than Potatoes 

Popcorns though seem very light but are highly nutritious. Popcorns contain more energy than potatoes, 100 grams of popcorns contain 382 kcal energy as compared to 77 kcal energy present in potatoes, therefore popcorns can be a healthy choice to eat as compared to potatoes.

4. Popcorns Contain High Percentage of Vitamin B 

Popcorns contain high percentage of vitamin B, which is an essential water-soluble vitamin for maintaining good health. Popcorns contain 15% of vitamin B₁ and 20% of vitamin B₂.  Vitamin B is very effective in keeping joints and muscles of our body healthy, so consuming popcorns is very healthy and rational choice. 

Many people don’t even know about the above-mentioned nutritional facts of popcorns.  People will enjoy popcorns more when they know how much nutritional values they possess.  Popcorns are consumed by people of all ages all over the world in huge quantity.  People normally use popcorn makers at home to make popcorns anytime they want.  

Top 3 Popcorn Poppers For Home Use

                                  

We all enjoy eating popcorns and making popcorns.  Making popcorns at home can be very easy if a right popcorn popper is used. We have compiled the list of best popcorn poppers available in the market for home use to provide more reliable information to the consumer.

1. Presto Powerpop 4830 Popcorn Popper

Presto is one of the leading brands in kitchen appliances. Just like any other kitchen appliances, Presto is making some of the finest Popcorn Poppers. Presto Powerpop 4830 Popcorn Popper is best for home usage; it uses microwave technology for popping the corns.  Popcorns can be popped with or without oil by using this appliance. This appliance is dishwasher friendly so it is very easy to clean, and is perfect for every kitchen. The price range of this appliance is from $13 to $33, so it’s very much affordable.

2. West Bend Stir Crazy 82306 Popcorn Popper

West Bend is also one of the best brands of home appliances. West Bend Stir Crazy 82306 Popcorn Popper is a top quality appliance, and it earned Popcorn Institute Seal of Quality Performance. This appliance is very easy to use, it needs oil for popping corns, it has non-stick interior and exclusive motorized stirring rod, which helps in making 25% more popcorns than any other poppers. Its cover flip can be used as a makeshift serving bowl and it can easily be cleaned with a sponge. The price range of this appliance is from $28 to $68 and is easily available online.

3. Nostalgia Mini Retro Popcorn Maker

Popcorn Makers are the specialty of Nostalgia Electrics. It has been making some of the finest popcorn makers for many years. Nostalgia RHP – 310 Mini Retro Popcorn Maker is a good choice for home usage; it is small in size and can be put on a tabletop. It uses hot air instead of oil in making popcorns, so the popcorns made in this appliance are oil free and contains less calories. It is the replica of old fashioned diner-style units of the 1950s, so it looks classic and is perfect for every kitchen. Its price range is from $19 to $32 and is easily available online.

Many other popcorn poppers / popcorn makers are available in the market but their quality is not up to the mark as compared to the above-mentioned poppers. These are the best available popcorn poppers for home usage, so if you are looking to buy a good quality popcorn popper and don’t want to waste your time and money then buy any one of them.