A Kernel of Historical Truth
Today, popcorn is an essential part of any serious movie-watching experience. Likewise, the tasty snack is a slumber party staple. But popcorn has been around since long before either of these pastimes were conceived. Archaeologists poking around in the subterranean tunnels below Mexico City discovered fossilized popcorn kernels that have been carbon dated and confirmed as more than 80,000 years old. Perhaps most surprisingly, those ancient pieces of popcorn bear a striking resemblance to our modern movie theater fare.
Prior to the colonization of America, popcorn was a fixture of many native diets. Chieftains wore clothing adorned with popcorn, and the substance was used to make a diverse variety of dishes including soup and beer. The snack caught on immediately with settlers, and it continues to stand as a cultural touchstone of our civilization. Popcorn history is rich with tales of delicious discovery, but wouldn’t you rather eat a handful than read about it?