Archive for June 24th, 2009
A Brief Look at Popcorn’s Popping Past
Popcorn was first discovered thousands of years ago by the Native Americans. Some tribes believed that the popping noise was that of an angry god, above Mother Gaya, who escaped the kernel.
During the Great Depression, popcorn was comparatively cheap at 5-10 cents a bag and became popular. Thus, while other businesses failed the popcorn business thrived and became a source of income for some struggling farmers. During World War II, sugar rations diminished candy production causing Americans to eat three times more popcorn than they had before.
At least six localities (all in the United States) claim to be the “Popcorn Capital of the World”: Valparaiso, Indiana; Van Buren, Indiana; Marion, Ohio; Ridgway, Illinois; Schaller, Iowa; and North Loup, Nebraska. According to the USDA, most of the maize used for popcorn production is specifically planted for this purpose; most is grown in Nebraska and Indiana, with increasing area in Texas.
As the result of an elementary school project, popcorn became the official state snack food of Illinois, a first in popcorn history.