An American Snack
Popping corn, like all other major varieties of corn (Flint, Flour, Dent and Sweet), originated in the Americas. Humans first started selectively breeding corn’s wild ancestor teosinte in Mexico approximately 9,000 years ago. Recent DNA evidence from 5,000 year old corn from Mexico, however, suggests that complete domestication had not occurred before the crop had spread to Central and South America, leading to a large number of varieties developing independently across the region. Such a wide geographic stretch makes pinning down popping corn’s origins difficult. What scientists do know for certain is that the popping corn definitely comes from the Americas.
Exact Origins Unknown
To date, the oldest popping corn found dates back 6,700 years ago from the Paredones and Huaca Prieta, two mound-sites on the arid coastline of northern Peru. This discovery predates another 4,000 year old earlier find of popping corn ears, some smaller than a penny and others about 2 inches in size, from the Bat Cave in west central New Mexico. Unfortunately, much of the difficulty of tracking down popping corn’s beginnings comes down to climate. Corn specimens preserve best in arid climates such as those found in Peru and New Mexico. For example, some 1,000 year old popping corn kernels found in the north of Chile were so well preserved they still popped. Scientists must concede that there is every possibility that popping corn could have originated in other more humid regions of the America’s, but the evidence has yet to be found.
North American Experience
For now, the general consensus assumes that popping corn likely didn’t arrive in quantities to the US American Southwest until about 2,500 years ago. From there, it didn’t spread east of the Mississpi until the early 1800s. Therefore, it is very unlikely that the first Thanksgiving meal in 1621 involved popcorn, despite popular belief. In fact, Europeans didn’t really have their first exposure to popcorn until the arrival of Spanish conquistadors. Popcorn was an important part of Aztec society when Hernan Cortez arrived in Mexico in the 16th century; Spaniards’ encounters with popcorn at that time were well documented. Ultimately, popcorn wouldn’t become popular as a snack in the US until the mid-18th century.
A Delicious New Take
Looking for a delicious, healthy and fun new take on an ancient snack, then go get some Doc Popcorn. With 20 flavors to choose from, all free of trans fats, MSG, and artificial flavors, Doc Popcorn makes the perfect high-fiber anytime snack. For those in the Miami area, ordering Doc Popcorn has never been easier. Order via DoorDash, Uber Eats or order directly at docpopfl.com Even better, put a smile on guests faces at your next event by hiring Doc Popcorn to cater by sending us a message directly [email protected]
