National Pop Corn Day

Happy young child at a movie theater, wearing a popcorn-themed shirt, surrounded by colorful popcorn buckets and smiling friends.. — National pop corn day illustration

Get ready to pop some corn and celebrate National Popcorn Day! Whether you're a movie enthusiast or just someone who loves a good snack, this day is dedicated to the fluffy and crunchy delight that is popcorn. So let's dive into the history of this beloved treat and discover why it deserves its own special day!

When is Pop Corn Day?

It's national pop corn day on the 19th January.

The Origins of Popcorn

Popcorn has been around for centuries and has a rich history. It is believed that popcorn was first discovered by Native Americans thousands of years ago. They would heat a small amount of oil in a pot and then toss in the popcorn kernels. As the oil heated up, the kernels would pop and create a delicious and satisfying snack.

The popularity of popcorn grew during the 19th century when it became a staple food at circuses and fairs. People would flock to these events not just for the entertainment, but also for the delicious popcorn that was available.

The Rise of Popcorn in Movies

While popcorn was already a popular snack, it really began to gain widespread popularity in the early 20th century when movie theaters started selling it. Moviegoers quickly fell in love with the combination of watching a film on the big screen and munching on some buttery and salty popcorn.

During the Great Depression, popcorn became an affordable luxury for many people. It was a cheap and delicious snack that provided a brief escape from the hardships of everyday life. Popcorn sales soared, and it became synonymous with going to the movies.

National Popcorn Day Celebrations

On January 19th each year, people across the country celebrate National Popcorn Day. It's the perfect excuse to indulge in this classic snack in all its forms. Whether you prefer buttered popcorn, caramel popcorn, or even cheesy popcorn, this day is all about embracing the flavors and joy that popcorn brings.

Some celebrate by hosting movie nights with friends and family, popping bowls of popcorn and watching their favorite films. Others get creative and try out new popcorn recipes, experimenting with different seasonings and flavors.

Did You Know?

Did you know that popcorn pops because the moisture inside the kernel turns to steam and creates pressure? When the pressure becomes too great, the kernel explodes and turns into a fluffy piece of popcorn. It's like a little edible firework!

History behind the term 'Pop Corn'

1612

The First Recorded Use

The term 'pop corn' is believed to have first appeared in Western culture in 1612. The phrase was used by English settlers in the Americas to describe a type of corn that could pop when heated. They called it 'pop corn' due to the sound it made when it exploded during the cooking process.

1848

Popcorn Machine Invention

In 1848, a pivotal event took place in the history of popcorn. A man named Charles Cretors, a candy store owner from Illinois, invented the first commercially successful popcorn machine. His machine used steam to pop the kernels and allowed for mass production of delicious and fluffy popcorn.

1893

First Commercial Popcorn Sales

The world's first commercial popcorn sales are believed to have taken place at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. The event introduced popcorn to a wider audience and helped popularize it as a tasty and affordable snack.

1925

Introduction of Microwave Popcorn

The introduction of microwave popcorn revolutionized the way people enjoyed their favorite snack. In 1925, a physicist named Percy Spencer accidentally discovered that microwaves could pop popcorn kernels. This led to the development of packaged microwave popcorn, which became incredibly popular due to its convenience and ease of preparation.

1981

Popcorn Becomes the Official State Snack

In 1981, popcorn achieved official recognition when it was designated as the official state snack of Illinois. This honor was bestowed upon popcorn due to its deep-rooted history in the state, its cultural significance, and its contribution to the economy through the popcorn industry.