10 Questions
What is the estimated age of the oldest corn ever discovered?
5600 years
Which civilization used popcorn in their ceremonies and as a food source?
Aztec Indians
What was the name of the Aztec god of rain that was adorned with popcorn necklaces?
Tlaloc
What was used to make ancient popcorn poppers?
Soapstone and clay
What was the name of the engineer who helped invent the first microwave oven?
Percy Spencer
What was the name of the popcorn used by the Aztec Indians?
Momchill
What was the purpose of scattering momchill before the fishermen went out to sea?
To ensure a safe journey
What was the result of Percy Spencer's experiment with the magnetron?
The melting of a candy bar
How did the Winnabago Indians pop their corn?
Stabbing a pointy stick through the entire cob
What was the significance of popcorn in the Aztec culture?
All of the above
Study Notes
History of Popcorn
- Popcorn has been around for over 5000 years.
- The oldest corn ever discovered was found in a New Mexico rock formation called "the Bat Cave" and is approximately 5600 years old.
Popcorn in Aztec Culture
- Popcorn was known as "momchill" to the 16th century Aztec Indians.
- It played an important role in their lives, used not only as a food source but also in their ceremonies.
- Garlands and headdresses were made from thick rows of popcorn and used in traditional dances.
- Popcorn was thought to bring peace and goodwill.
Ancient Popcorn Poppers
- Ancient popcorn poppers were made out of soapstone or clay.
- A covered bowl was hung from a tripod-like holder and placed directly over the fire.
Innovation in Popping Corn
- The Winnabago Indians used a method where they stabbed a pointy stick through the entire cob and held it close to the fire.
- In 1946, engineer Percy Spencer discovered that popcorn kernels popped when placed near a magnetron, leading to the invention of the first microwave oven.
Popcorn Today
- Today, popcorn is still a popular food, and its history has seen it used in ceremonies, as a food source, and in the invention of the microwave oven.
Discover the fascinating history of popcorn, from its origins in ancient Mesoamerica to its surprising role in the invention of the microwave oven. Learn about the oldest corn ever discovered and its surprising ability to still pop after 1000 years.
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