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Popcorn with butter and salt is the staple of the movie theaters. it can also be found in many versions to make at home, on the road, or over a campfire. One of the most common forms is the microwave bag.
There are two folk tales about popcorn. The first is from native American tribes who raised corn. They believed that quiet, happy spirits lived in each kernel. When the kernels got hot, the spirits got angry and exploded out of the kernel in a puff of air. The second folk tale is about a summer so hot that the corn started popping right off their stalks. The cows and pigs thought is was a snow blizzard and fell down and froze to death.
In ancient times in the American southwest and Mexico, there are records of popcorn being eaten and used as a decoraqtion going back millionsof years. The Aztec used it when the Spanish arrived. The Iroquois used it when the French arrived. Even the Wampanoag and the Pilgrims ate it. The pilgrims even served it for breadfast with cream and sugar!
The first popcorn machine was invented in 1885. Thirty years later, Cloid H. Smith introduced Jolly Time, the first brand name popcorn. Popcorn came into movie theaters during the 1930s since it was something that most people could afford then. In the next decade, sugar was scarce, so popcorn became the specail treat. It got even bigger with the invention of the television in the 1950s.
Since then, caramel, candied fruit, and other goodies have been added to popcorn to make special treats. In addition to plain popcorn, there are also popcorn balls and Cracker Jacks.
Popcorn in and of itself has only one ingredient: corn. Oil, salt, and butter are added while cooking.
While corn is in the vegetable group, popcorn rests in the fats and sweets group. This is because it is usually eaten slathered with butter and salt.
While popcorn is still a favorite, many variations have emerged. Caramel corn, cheese corn, and sour cream and onion corn are just a few. Oh, and we can't forget those popcorn balls!
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