Popcorn Facts

Bet you didn't know some of these popcorn facts.....

The oldest ears of popcorn were discovered in the Bat Cave of New Mexico - they date back 4000 years. Popcorn facts state that this snack was used by the Native Americans before the Pilgrims settled here and was used by Aztec Indians both in their ceremonies and to eat.

Popcorn was introduced to North American settlers at the first Thanksgiving and they liked it so much that they combined it with milk and sugar to eat at breakfast.

Popcorn facts on nutrition and eating it:

Early on, popcorn was toasted in a fire - sometimes while still on the cob and eaten like modern day corn on the cob! In the 1800's people started to cook it in oil and experiments with microwave popcorn started in the 1940's. Wondering how it pops? The kernel has water in it, as the kernel is heated, the water turns to steam and builds up pressure until it explodes.

Popped corn can be stored in the fridge or freezer and stays good up to 3 weeks

17 billion quarts of popcorn are eating annually in North America alone

Popcorn is a healthy snack. With only 35 calories per cup, lots of fiber and vitamins A, B1, B2 and no fat this beats any kind of chips or candy bar hands down for healthy snacking

Popcorn facts on production and consumption

Popcorn is produced mainly in the US with 80% of it being consumed by Americans. The major states that produce popcorn are: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Nebraska.

70% of all popcorn is eaten inside the house with the other 30% being eating at movie theaters, fairs and ball games.

Popcorn sales peak in the fall and remain steady in winter but fall during the summer months

American consumption of popcorn has declined a bit since the mid 1990's but consumption abroad has gone up.