Who Invented Popcorn? Facts About The Cinema Snack

When asked who invented popcorn, most people probably think of the Americans – and the assumption is not entirely wrong. Whereby the popcorn itself is more of a discovery than an invention.

Who invented popcorn – the history of the popular snack

It is still not clear who invented or discovered popcorn. However, researchers suspect that the popcorn is already several thousand years old.

• Experts have found the small corn balls during excavations of ancient tombs, such as those of the Aztecs or the natives of Peru. In many cultures, it has long been customary to put some food in the grave of the bereaved.
• These food supplements for the “last trip” were mostly dishes that were perceived as being of high quality. For this reason, the experts assume that popcorn was already very popular with the natives. They suspect that the natives of Peru were already growing corn more than 9,000 years ago.
• However, the popcorn was by no means only used for food by the natives. Popcorn was also found on the clothing. It probably served the wearer as an ornament, similar to jewelry.
• The discovery that the corn kernels can be popped and thus become a super snack is probably based on coincidence. However, popcorn is not alone in this, people owe many a partially groundbreaking invention to a chance discovery.
• With the popcorn, it was probably the case that the corn balls were thrown into the fire or maybe accidentally fell into it. After these opened with an audible pop, the popcorn was born.

Popcorn – a versatile snack

Popcorn and cinema are two terms that seem to be inextricably linked – and have been for many decades. But the popular snack is also part of many cozy cinema evenings at home.

• From the 19th century, the commercially marketed history of popcorn picked up speed. In 1875, Frederick J. Myers of Kentucky took out a patent for what is believed to be the first popcorn machine.
• Numerous other popcorn machines have been developed over the years. The recipes and popcorn creations also became more varied and sophisticated.
• Popcorn came to the cinema around 1920 and then became known worldwide.