Did You Know?

Popcorn Was Invented By The Aztec Indians

Popcorn has been a favorite snack for centuries. It is a favorite snack sold at movie theaters across the country. The oldest ears of corn for popping found to date were discovered in a bat cave off west central New Mexico in 1948. The bat cave corn ears are gauged to be approximately 4,000 years old.

This snack food was "invented" by other people in the world as well. It is probably safe to assume that it was popular in places where corn was grown as a major food source. In 1519, Cortes saw the white popped kernels when he invaded Mexico and first met the Aztecs. It was important to the Aztec Indians as a food source. But, they also made necklaces and decorated their headdresses with it. It has been recorded that the Peruvian Indians in the 16th century were also using corn for popping.

A favorite treat during the late 1800s through the early 1900s was the popcorn ball. Balls of popped corn are simple to make. Many people still enjoy them today. People in the 1800s also ate flavored popcorn. Some favorite flavorings include rose, honey, molasses and sugar. It was also used to make wonderful christmas decorations like garlands that draped the Christmas tree or fireplace mantle in many Victorian households.