The Ancient History of Popcorn

10 Questions

How long has popcorn been around?

Over 5000 years

What was the name of popcorn in the 16th century Aztec Indians?

Momchill

What was the purpose of scattering momchill before the fishermen went out to sea?

To bring peace and goodwill, and ensure a safe journey

What was the name of the ancient god of rain in the Aztec culture?

Tlaloc (Tlah-loc)

What was the material used to make ancient popcorn poppers?

Soapstone or clay

How did the Winnabago Indians pop their corn?

By stabbing a pointy stick through the entire cob and holding it close to the fire

What invention was made possible by the accidental discovery of popcorn?

The first microwave oven

What was Percy Spencer working with when he accidentally discovered popcorn?

A magnetron, a type of vacuum tube

What was the approximate age of the oldest corn ever discovered?

5600 years

What was the purpose of the popcorn garlands and headdresses in the Aztec culture?

They were used in traditional dances and ceremonies

Study Notes

Popcorn History

Popcorn has been around for over 5000 years.
The oldest known corn, found in a New Mexico rock formation called "the Bat Cave," is approximately 5600 years old.
Kernels of corn found in tombs in Peru are still poppable after 1000 years.

Popcorn in Aztec Culture

Popcorn was known as "momchill" to the 16th century Aztec Indians.
It played an important role in their lives, used as a food source and in ceremonies.
Garlands and headdresses were made from thick rows of popcorn and used in traditional dances.
Popcorn was believed to bring peace and goodwill.
Statues of the Aztec god of rain, Tlaloc, were adorned with popcorn necklaces.

Popcorn Poppers

Ancient popcorn poppers were made out of soapstone or clay.
The Winnabago Indians used a method of popping corn by stabbing a pointy stick through the entire cob and holding it close to the fire.

The Invention of the Microwave

In 1946, engineer Percy Spencer was experimenting with a magnetron, a vacuum tube used to produce high energy for microwaves.
When he realized the candy bar in his pocket had melted, he sent for popcorn to test the magnetron's effect.
The popcorn kernels popped, leading to the invention of the first microwave oven.