Popcorn

snacks · ancient food · science of cooking

Ancient snack. Popcorn is one of the oldest snacks in the world, with evidence showing people in the Americas have been eating it for thousands of years, long before movies were even invented!

Heat makes it pop. A popcorn kernel has a tiny drop of water inside a hard shell. When you heat it, the water turns into steam, building up pressure until, pop!, it explodes into a fluffy white puff.

Many flavor options. Popcorn is delicious on its own, but people love adding salt, melted butter, sweet coatings, or fun artificial flavorings to make it taste however they want.

Theater favorite. Today, popcorn is famous as the go-to snack at movie theaters and parties, where the smell alone makes people hungry!