Popcorn earns spot as American snack staple

Pop...pop...pop, pop, pop, pop! Ah, the sweet sound, and scent, of popcorn popping.

Popcorn is a long-time favorite amongst many Americans. In fact, it is so popular that a national day recognizing the explosive little kernels has been designated. Although historians have drawn a blank as to the holiday's origin, Jan. 19 is officially National Popcorn Day.

According to nationaldaycalendar.com, the word "corn" actually means "grain" in Old English. To be more precise, the term references the most prominent grain grown within a region. In early America, maize was the most commonly grown grain, hence gaining grounds for being assigned the "corn" term. We can all figure out where the "pop" came from.

There is an actual appointed Popcorn Board, who claims that Americans consume 13 billion quarts of popcorn annually. This equates to 41 quarts per person per year. Of this amount, about 70 percent is eaten at homes, while the remaining 30 percent is eaten while at movie theatres, stadiums or schools.

How did popcorn become so popular?

Historians have identified that popcorn was used as a ceremonial decoration on Aztec headdresses honoring Tlaloc, god of maize, rain and fertility. Upon interaction with Spanish explorers, the Aztecs amazed them with corn that burst into a white "flower."

By the mid-1800s popcorn made a name for itself in the United States (thought to have started in the New Mexico region), as well as worldwide. Candy store owner Charles Cretors took the treat to a whole new level when he invented a steam-machine, which served as the first popcorn popper. By 1900, he had a horse-drawn popcorn wagon which he took around the streets of Chicago.

As they say, the rest is history.

Many activities and entertainment venues are enhanced with the presence of popcorn. It has remained a staple throughout American history.

Popcorn created a whole new world for many Americans and the favored old-time American pastime, baseball. The famous "Cracker Jack" popcorn treat, referenced in the song "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," would not be without something as simple as maize. "Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack. I don't care if I ever get back..."

The National Today data science team conducted a "Popcorn Day" survey. Their findings revealed that 92 percent of Americans like popcorn. The top 10 most popular flavors are butter and salt, cheese, caramel, garlic salt, chocolate, plain, cinnamon and sugar, truffle butter, hot sauce and lastly jalapeno.

Americans consume and produce more popcorn than any other country in the world. The "Corn Belt" states that keep "popping" out the corn for our enjoyment are Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky and Ohio. Nebraska and Indiana are the top two producers, providing a combined 55 percent of the overall production.