Important Popcorn Dates
Popcorn is a delicious snack that has been enjoyed for centuries. From movie theaters to sporting events, this crunchy treat has become a staple in many households. But did you know that popcorn has a rich history, and that there are several important dates that have shaped the way we enjoy it today? In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most significant dates in the history of popcorn.
Timeline History of Popcorn
4700 BC - Fossil evidence from Peru suggests that corn was popped as early at 4700 BC.
16th Century - Aztec Indian ceremonies incorporated popcorn
1519 - Cortes first saw popcorn when he invaded Mexico
1848 - The term popped corn first appeared in John Russell Bartlett’s 1848 Dictionary of Americanisms
1885 - Charles Cretors invests the first popcorn machine in Chicago Illinois
1893 - Charles Cretors introduced the worlds first mobile popcorn machine at the Worlds Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
1896 - The first popcorn stand was opened by Louis Rueckheim. He sold a sweetened version of popcorn which he called “Cracker Jack”. The name and slogan “The More You Eat The More You Want” were registered in 1896.
1907 - The song Take Me Out to the Ball game came out and with it’s line of “Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack!” solidified the Cracker Jack’s place in history
1920’s - Movie theaters stopped movie goers from bringing in their own popcorn snacks
1938 - Movie theaters began selling popcorn to help bring in additional revenue
1940’s - During WWII, sugar was sent overseas for US troops which left a minimal amount of candy snacks. Popcorn took it’s place and Americans ate 3 times the amount of popcorn than they did before. In addition popcorn became an important food source due to its long shelf life and high nutritional value. In fact, the U.S. government encouraged farmers to grow popcorn as a way to help with the war effort. This led to a significant increase in popcorn consumption, as it was included in military rations and became a staple snack for troops overseas.
1945 - Percy Spencer, an engineer at the Raytheon Corporation, discovered that microwaves could be used to heat food. Percy used popcorn for many of his experiements.
1970’s - Orville Redenbacher’s brand of popcorn was launched
1980’s-1990’s - popcorn began to be marketed as a healthy snack.
1981 - General Mills received the first patent for microwave oven popcorn bags.
1999 - Orville Redenbacher’s, one of the most popular brands of popcorn, introduced its first line of “smart” popcorn. The popcorn was made with a special kind of corn that popped up to 40% larger than regular popcorn, making it a more satisfying snack.
January 19 - National Popcorn Day
March 12 - National Popcorn Lover’s Day
In conclusion, popcorn has a long and storied history, and there are several important dates that have shaped the way we enjoy it today. From the invention of the first popcorn machine to the rise of microwave popcorn, popcorn has evolved to become a staple snack that’s enjoyed around the world. Whether you prefer sweet or savory popcorn, there’s no denying that this crunchy treat has stood the test of time.
