Sun Feb 22 04:37:30 UTC 2026: # Popcorn: A Deep Dive into the History and Science of a Global Snack

The Story:
An article published in The Hindu on February 22, 2026, explores the history and science behind popcorn. It delves into the origins of popcorn, tracing it back thousands of years to the domestication of corn in Mexico. The article dispels the myth of a specific Thanksgiving introduction to European colonists in 1630, highlighting evidence that Europeans were aware of popcorn earlier in the 17th century. It also discusses the science of popping corn, the different types of popcorn (butterfly and mushroom), and the global popularity of the snack.

Key Points:

  • Corn was first domesticated approximately 9,000 years ago in Mexico.
  • Popcorn likely originated from maize kernels accidentally popping in a fire.
  • A popular legend claims that Native American Quadequina introduced popcorn to English colonists during a Thanksgiving dinner on February 22, 1630, but historians largely consider this an urban legend.
  • French explorers observed natives popping popcorn in the Great Lakes region as early as 1612.
  • Popcorn comes in two main shapes: butterfly (irregular and crispy) and mushroom (sturdy and round).
  • Popped popcorn occupies approximately 40 times the space of unpopped kernels.

Key Takeaways:

  • Popcorn has a rich and ancient history, predating European colonization of the Americas.
  • The popular Thanksgiving story is likely a myth, despite the documented early European awareness of popcorn.
  • The article blends culinary arts, science, and history, showing the depth behind a simple snack.

    Read More