National Popcorn Day is celebrated in the US annually on 19 January. It is a delightful celebration of the popular and beloved snack. Here are six interesting facts about popcorn:
Popcorn has been enjoyed for thousands of years. Archaeologists have found popcorn remnants in ancient Peruvian tombs that date back to around 4700 B.C. Indigenous Americans were among the first to cultivate popcorn.
Popcorn pops because of its unique moisture content. Each kernel contains a small amount of water, and when heated, the water turns to steam, creating pressure inside the kernel. When the pressure becomes too much for the hull to contain, the kernel pops.
Popcorn is a type of maize or corn, scientifically known as Zea mays everta. It is one of six types of corn, but it is the only variety that pops when heated.
The association between popcorn and movies began during the Great Depression. Movie theatres, looking for affordable snacks to offer, found that popcorn was inexpensive to produce and became a popular choice. The trend continued, and today, popcorn and movies are inseparable.
Popcorn is a whole grain, making it a good source of fibre. When prepared without excessive butter and salt, popcorn can be a healthy snack. It's low in calories, high in fibre, and provides some essential vitamins and minerals.
The largest popcorn ball ever created was made in 2015 at the Indiana State Fair. It weighed a whopping 6,510 pounds (2,950 kg) and stood over 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall. This giant popcorn ball set a Guinness World Record.