You’re not yourself when you’re hungry. You might lash out in anger, or you might condemn an entire city with the plague. That’s when you know it’s time for a snack, and no, it’s not a Snickers bar. There’s hardly anyone who doesn’t like popcorn; if anyone says otherwise, then there’s something deeply, irrevocably wrong with them. 

Whether slathered in butter, salted, or caramelized, popcorn remains a desirable snack that brings comfort, soothes the heart, and spurs a sense of nostalgia. Unlike more decadent desserts such as chocolate cake, a mocha shake, or even a Snickers bar, it’s light enough that you can eat it on the run, with relatively little mess. A healthy snack high in fiber and low in calories, it’s delicious enough that it just might be enough to appease Nergal, the Mesopotamian deity of plague and pestilence. 

While a bowl of buttery popcorn might not fend off a cold, it can definitely uplift dour spirits. On January 19 (or the next time you’re feeling a bit hangry), pop open a bag, put on your favorite movie or TV show, and let the fun begin.  

History of Popcorn 

Popcorn began its ascent in the mid-1800s as a popular fireside snack, though corn, or maize, was already in cultivation for hundreds of years. Centuries before, the Aztecs incorporated popcorn, an essential food source, into their ceremonial headdresses to honor Tlaloc, a maize and fertility god; archaeological evidence has shown that even before the days of Christ, Native Americans were enjoying a rudimentary form of popcorn. Early popcorn likely resembled parched corn, with none of the flavorings that are enjoyed today. 

It wasn’t until the 1890s, however, that popcorn entered mass consumption, when a Chicago entrepreneur, Charles Cretors, invented a machine for popping corn that was powered by steam. Bags of popcorn were then carted in horse-drawn wagons that traversed the streets of Chicago – an early version of a concession stand. 

How to Celebrate National Popcorn Day

National Popcorn Day is one of those unofficial holidays that’s a no-brainer: it’s pretty self-explanatory how to go about celebrating it. However, if you’re still looking for more ways to celebrate this light-hearted holiday, here are a few ideas.

 

1. Try Unique Flavor Combinations 

Homemade popcorn can tend to be boring and flat, lacking the intense buttery flavor found in theaters. To spice up ordinary popcorn, try experimenting with various seasonings or look for unique popcorn products – sour cream & chives is always an addictive flavor combination. Garlic powder and lemon salt can also be used to give your popcorn an extra zest. When it comes to novelty, look for heirloom varieties of popcorn – their kernels may be tiny, but superior in taste (and they’re quite cute). 

2. Go to the Movies 

The go-to snack for moviegoers, popcorn has always been one of America’s favorite snacks. Sure, staying at home to watch a movie is the more cost-effective option, but the immersive experience of watching a blockbuster on the big-screen is unbeatable. Part of the fun is the snacks: the trademark popcorn, freshly-popped, the eye-catching candy embellished with iconic fonts, and the mouth-watering pretzel bites dipped in cheese. Admit it, it’s no fun to go all the way to the cinema, just to bring your own lackluster snacks. Take a day off and enjoy the movies, and if you’re a musical enthusiast, pop into your local neighborhood theater.  

3. Go Big with a Popcorn Machine for Popcorn Galore 

If you’re big on parties, why not buy your own popcorn machine, with enough capacity to feed a crowd? With a built-in tray to collect unpopped kernels, this machine is wonderfully modern yet retro styled, perfect for a busy movie night in the comfort of your own home. 

4. Make Popcorn Balls 

Looking for something sweet and savory but not fond of rice Krispies? These popcorn balls may not seem like your typical confectionary, but will still satisfy your sweet tooth. Marshmallows act as the glue that holds together the ball, transforming unflavored popcorn kernels into tasty morsels of deliciousness. 

 

Popcorn Fun Facts and Trivia

Popcorn is a very straightforward snack: into the microwave it goes, and out comes the familiar fluffy, textured treat we all know and love. While you’re waiting for your popcorn to pop, here are a fun few facts to go along with it. 

• With origins dating back thousands of years old, popcorn has been found in burial sites across the Americas, so well preserved that it could still be popped after a millennium. 

• During the Second World War, sugar was rationed, but not salt. Due to the shortage, Americans began eating 3 times more popcorn. 

• A holdover from the silent film era, popcorn helped prop up struggling theaters during the Depression Era that installed popcorn machines in their venues. 

• Popcorn was once strung on garlands and used to adorn miniature Christmas trees. 

• Americans consume around 17 million quarts of popcorn each year, enough to fill the Empire State 18 times over. 

• Popcorn comes in two shapes: ‘snowflake’ or ‘mushroom.’ Snowflake is most often used in movie theaters, while mushroom popcorn is suitable for chocolate coatings and other dessert applications.  

What Kind of Corn is Suited for Popcorn?

Home gardeners looking to grow popcorn will need to look for a specific type of flint corn (Zea mays var. everta) intended for popping. Some cultivars of ornamental corn, also referred to as Indian corn and known for their strikingly vivid colors, can also be popped. It’s important to isolate popcorn from sweetcorn to avoid cross pollination, which can negatively alter the flavor or cause them not to pop at all. Do not start indoors or in pots.   

Weeds are more common during the early stages, though raised garden beds do a good job of keeping them out, while a hori hori knife gets rid of the remainder. To harvest popcorn, wait until the entire stalk is brown and withered – do not pick if the husk has any green.