While Biggi has been cultivating popcorn on the banks of the Orange River in the Northern Cape for more than 30 years, our favourite snack dates back much further in world history. Check out these cool popcorn moments in history.
300 AD – the maize god


In Mexico decorations on funeral urns dating back to 300 A.D. depict a maize god with popped kernels adorning his headdress. Similar findings across Central and South America – from Peru to Guatemala and Mexico – have led researchers to believe that the Aztecs used popcorn for various purposes: as food, but also to decorate clothing and other ceremonial objects.


Colonialism – breakfast of champions


By the time the colonists reached North America, popcorn was already also used by the Indigenous peoples throughout the continent, from Utah to New Mexico and even the Great Lakes region. Colonists began to adopt the popular Indigenous food, including popcorn. Interestingly enough, some reports state that colonists had popcorn for breakfast, served with milk and sugar – like cereal!


1930s – it saved the movie business


Popcorn basically saved movie theatres in the USA during the Great Depression. As people started struggling financially during the 1930s, they stopped going to the movies. As a result, the business started to go down, but popcorn remained an affordable treat. Theatres started selling it at their doors and it became a staple to many Americans. Popcorn sales during those years played a major part in keeping movie theatre doors open.


1980s – the first microwave popcorn


Popcorn and microwave cooking were introduced in 1981 when a version containing perishable butter and requiring refrigeration stepped onto the market. Shortly after that, Pillsbury introduced a frozen version. It might sound crazy in 2022, but the first versions of microwave popcorn were incredibly popular. By 1984 shelf-stable versions were being distributed across the USA.


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