Ahh, popcorn. The salty, buttery, crunchy treat that’s irresistible.
Here’s everything you’ve always wanted to know about this delicious snack.
Q: Why do we eat popcorn at the movies?
A: Popcorn and movies have a long history, although there was a time when movie theatres didn’t allow popcorn.
In the 1920s, popcorn was a popular treat at fairs and carnivals, but it was considered too low-brow and messy for movie theatres. As a result, independent popcorn stands started appearing on the sidewalks in front of movie houses, much to the chagrin of theatre managers.
However, the opposition to popcorn changed during the 1930s, when many theatres were barely turning a profit. Building concession stands inside theatres to sell snacks helped these business owners remain solvent.
Popcorn remained popular through the 1940s due to a sugar shortage caused by World War II. Theatres couldn't offer sweet snacks, but they could always depend on selling popcorn.
Q: Is popcorn healthy?
A: Popcorn is high in fibre, and it contains an antioxidant. Without salt and butter, it has a low calorie count: 93 calories for every three cups of popcorn.
Q: Which country consumes the most popcorn?
A: The United States consumes more popcorn than any other country. According to The Healthy Journal, Americans eat about 15 billion quarts of popcorn each year, and who can blame them?
Q: When was popcorn first discovered?
A: Popcorn has been around for a long time. Sources say the earliest evidence of popcorn was found in Mexico. Archaeologists discovered popcorn was made in Peru approximately 4,700 years ago.
Q: Does popcorn come in different colours?
A: There are blue and black varieties, but yellow popcorn is the most popular. White popcorn was favoured before the Great Depression because it was inexpensive. But the more expensive yellow kernels create larger volumes after popping, becoming the gold standard we enjoy today.
Q: What makes a kernel pop?
A: Kernels will pop when they are heated to 180C or higher. Moisture inside the kernel turns to steam as it's heated, which causes a small explosion. A piece of popcorn is 40 to 50 times larger than its kernel.
Now, who’s ready for popcorn?
See you at the Jewel!
Ruth