Television is at its artistic and economic height. Meanwhile, movie theaters increasingly struggle to get bodies in seats. But despite decreasing attendance, one theater staple remains popular: popcorn. In fact, some say the salty, buttery, microwaveable movie accoutrement is experiencing a “third golden age," as people turn to healthier, homemade versions of the crunchy concession.
Pre-Columbian indigenous Central Americans were likely the first to pop kernels, heating ears of maize to render them puffy. And according to the Popcorn Board, a non-profit funded by US popcorn manufacturers, the popped kernels were a central element of Aztec ritual.
Today, popcorn is more casual. It first peaked in the '30s as a result of the cinema boom, and again in the '80s with the rise of microwaves. Most recently, the Guardian reported a 16.9% increase in ready-to-eat popcorn and caramel corn sales from February 2016 to February 2017. This news arrives at a key moment for popcorn, with the brisk arrival of fall and October branded as "National Popcorn Poppin’ Month."
Perhaps we can attribute its recent resurgence to a new vein of popcorn products, like Skinnypop, that advertise a lower-calorie, gluten-free, non-GMO snack. Personally, I welcome the healthier take on the buttery snack, which has left bloated and sleepy after many a movie. But don't just relegate popcorn to the movie theater. You can enjoy the crunchy snack at home. Try your hand in your own kitchen with some of our recipes:
Do you buy the popcorn craze? Or is it just an un-popped kernel? Let us know your take in the comments.
Written by: Valerio Farris
Popular on Food52
2 Comments
like we had as kids. This time of year I recall the homemade popcorn balls we would receive from our neighbor in Halloween! Too bad we can't do that anymore. Homemade popcorn balls are the best!😋
See what other Food52 readers are saying.