Arts & Culture | wprnPublicRadio.com
Why Popcorn Pops
Written and Read by Adam Scull
Imagine each popcorn kernel as a tiny, sealed pot with a bit of water inside. When you put popcorn in the microwave, it’s like putting these tiny pots on a hot stove. The microwave heats the kernels, and the water inside turns into steam. But remember, the kernel is like a sealed pot, so the steam can’t escape.
As the microwave keeps heating them, the steam builds up more and more pressure inside the kernel. It’s like blowing up a tiny balloon inside the pot. Eventually, the pressure from the steam gets so high that the kernel can’t hold it anymore. Just like a balloon popping, the kernel bursts open!
When it opens, the soft parts inside the kernel puff out and turn into the popcorn we eat. It’s a bit like a superhero transforming – the kernel goes from something small and hard to something big and fluffy. That’s why when you look in the microwave, you see the popcorn jumping and popping around – it’s all those tiny pots bursting open at once!
Popcorn has a long history, and its origins can be traced back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that popcorn was likely domesticated from a wild grass called teosinte in what is now Mexico. The oldest known popcorn ears were discovered in the Bat Cave of west-central New Mexico, and they are believed to be around 4,000 years old.
The indigenous peoples of the Americas, including the Aztecs and the Native Americans, were among the first to cultivate and pop popcorn. Popcorn became an integral part of their culinary traditions and was used for various purposes, including as a snack and for religious ceremonies.
European explorers and colonists encountered popcorn when they arrived in the Americas. Popcorn’s popularity spread, and it eventually made its way to other parts of the world. Popcorn became especially popular in the United States during the 19th century, where it was often sold at fairs, carnivals, and circuses.
The invention of the popcorn machine in the late 19th century further contributed to the widespread popularity of popcorn. Charles Cretors, a Chicago candy store owner, created the first commercial popcorn machine in 1885. This invention allowed for mass production and distribution of popcorn, making it more accessible to the general public.
Over the years, popcorn has become a beloved and iconic snack enjoyed by people worldwide. Whether at the movies, sporting events, or simply as a convenient and tasty snack at home, popcorn continues to be a timeless treat with deep historical roots.
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