What would you answer if we asked you how long the history of popcorn is? It’s a lot older than you think!
September 15, 2024
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The fact that corn kernels cannot withstand the heat and explode and become light and airy is actually so prehistoric people It was a phenomenon that he discovered.
The fact that corn kernels cannot withstand the heat and explode and become light and airy is actually so prehistoric people It was a phenomenon that he discovered.
Now let’s back up a little bit and look at this your age-old snack Let’s take a look at his story.
The beginning of corn in South America
South America in particular, known as the homeland of corn, is present-day Peru and Mexico, He witnessed the birth of popcorn.
Archaeologists have discovered popcorn remains that are thousands of years old during excavations at ancient settlements in Peru. These ruins 5500 years ago It extends to .
However, scientists say this snack goes back even further. up to 7000 years ago He found evidence that he could be traced. The millet had to be heated to make the bits at the bottom of the corn bowl, which stuck between our teeth, edible. It was precisely those bits at the bottom that were found.
Already 9000 years ago in dry caves in Mexico Evidence of corn cultivation There was. Farmers domesticated corn from a grass called teosinte.
Natural corn exploded We don’t know how they discovered it, but it was clearly exposed to heat. As I was lighting the fire, the corn fell and exploded.
So how do these little kernels of corn pop?
The secret of popcorn, It is hidden in the interaction of starch and water in the corn kernels. The water in the corn kernels evaporates when heated, creating pressure.
As the pressure increases, the corn kernel eventually bursts and the starch squirts out It turns into that fluffy, white state. The interesting thing is that not every type of corn pops. That is why ancient people must have noticed which corn kernels they popped, selected and consumed.
It should be noted that popcorn is not just a snack.
Ancient people used these corns both as food and in rituals. The colorful and light texture of popcorn makes it complete in religious ceremonies He even made sure he found a spot.
Popcorn, especially in Mexico, an offering to the gods It was used as. It may even have been offered to the maize god “Chicomecóatl”.
The journey from popcorn to now
Popcorn caught the attention of Europeans after the discovery of the American continent and over time spread all over the world.
This snack, which has become an indispensable part of cinemas today, has a history of thousands of years and every popcorn kernel is They are representatives of ancient history.
Sources: WordsSideKick.com, Archeology News Online Magazine, Popcorn, BBC
Ashley Johnson is a science writer for “Div Bracket”. With a background in the natural sciences and a passion for exploring the mysteries of the universe, she provides in-depth coverage of the latest scientific developments.