Popcorn history is as interesting as the popcorn types and so the question – why does popcorn pop? Popcorn is a convenient short form of a variety of corn, which bursts from the kernel and puffs up when near a source of heat. The popcorn became a popular snack especially when watching movies in theatres, at a time when the United States was in the grip of the Great Depression. The popping quality of the corn was first discovered thousands of years ago by the Native Americans. Some native tribes believed that when the corn popped, it was noise made by an angry god who escaped the kernel.
Americas History with Popcorn?
 Popcorn history dates back to the late 1920s, when the Unites States witnessed the Great Depression. During this period popcorn was priced at a comparatively cheaper rate of 5-10 cents a bag, making it very popular. While many other businesses failed, the popcorn business boomed and provided some struggling farmers with a source of income with which to feed their families. During the Second World War, the rationing of sugar depleted the production of candy, forcing many snack craving Americans to consume three times the amount of popcorn they had before.
Different Types of Popcorn
 Popcorn types are broadly classified by the shape and color of their kernels or the shape of the popped corn. Though the kernels are available in a host of colors, the popped corn is always white and has a colored hull. The other popcorn types are the rice type and the pearl type. The rice variety has a long kernel pointed at both ends, while the pearl kernels are rounded at the top.
The pearl variety is used for the commercial production of popcorn. Traditionally, both popcorn types – pearl and rice were always yellow and white but today colors include black, red, and variegated variety but commercial production is dominated by white and yellow. Corn used for popcorn production is mainly grown in Indiana and Nebraska, and more recently in the Texas. Special popcorn types are grown to make a better popping sound.
So Why Does It Pop?
The now the answer to the enduring question why does popcorn pop? Popcorn is able to burst because, unlike other grains, its kernels have a hard outer coat which keeps the moisture safe within along with a dense starchy filling. When subjected to heat, this allows pressure to build inside the kernel until the corn bursts with a pop sound.
 Small quantities may be popped in a stovetop kettle at home but freshly popped popcorn is commercially sold with the aid of specially designed popcorn machines, invented originally by Charles Cretors, in Chicago, Illinois, in 1885. His invention launched the first patented steam-driven popcorn machine that cooked popcorn in oil. This invention completely revolutionized popcorn history. Now we have any kinds of small-scale, safe home methods for popping corn like the pressure cooker or the microwave. The most popular variety being pre – treated and packaged microwavable popcorn.Â
Retail popcorn types are usually salty or sweetened. Caramelized corn is a great favorite among American, though normally the popcorn is sold with a salty flavor. The salty popcorn may have a dollop of butter to enhance its flavor. In fact, all around the globe, both popcorn types are easily available at the vendor carts. Caramelized corn is also called toffee corn and may be a bit more expensive than the salty version. Eating popcorn as a snack at shopping malls, movies or sporting events is a common sight, especially since it is loved by all age groups.
Ordinary popcorn is low in calories and fat, has high fiber content, and does not contain sodium or sugar, making it an attractive snack for people who want to reduce calories.
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