Popcorn was a popular snack in the 1920s (and it became even more popular during the depression years of the 1930s since it was an inexpensive snack). Technology, and new processing techniques, made it easier to make popcorn than it had been earlier in the 20th century. A 1926 Jolly Time Pop Corn advertisement highlighted that it was guaranteed to pop.
The American Pop Corn Company, which makes Jolly Time, began selling popcorn in 1914. In 1924, the company began packaging popcorn in metal cans. Popcorn pops best when it contains approximately 14-15% moisture. If it too moist or too dry, it does not pop well. The metal cans helped ensure freshness and a consistent moisture – and the company began advertising that its popcorn was guaranteed to pop. Consumers also liked that they could just buy popcorn that was ready to pop.
Historically, many people in the U.S. lived on farms and raised a little popcorn. People planted popcorn in the spring. In the fall. after the corn husks and stalks turned brown and felt dry, the popcorn was harvested by twisting or breaking the ears off the stalks and then pulling the husks away from the corn, but not removing the husks. The husks of several ears were tied together to enable them to be hung to dry in a shed or other well-ventilated, covered area.
After the ears dried for a month or so, the husks were removed and the popcorn was shelled. It was shelled by pushing the kernels on the ears sideways so they would separate from the cob. This could either be done by using fingers or a corn husking tool that was strapped on a person’s hand. After the first few kernels were removed from each ear, it was easier to break the remaining ones off. The popcorn kernels were then stored in a glass jar (and they hopefully had the right amount of moisture to successfully pop).
Whew, what a lot of work! It’s no wonder that packaged popcorn quickly became popular. (And, I can’t help thinking about how technology has continued to change the way popcorn is made and eaten.)
Although making popcorn with children is quite fun, it’s not a snack that’s ever appealed to me much. In England, people like to munch it in the cinema. Don’t ask me why!
Popcorn is also very popular at the cinema in the U.S. According to history.com, movie theaters began serving popcorn during the 1930s because it was an inexpensive snack. Prior to the depression, venders outside theaters sold popcorn, but the theaters decided to sell popcorn in the lobby to make a little extra money.
Ah! Soi that’s the reason! Thanks. It’s no longer cheap. Not in cinemas, anyway ….
It’s not cheap at the cinema here either. I think that it’s still a fairly inexpensive snack here if you buy a basic jar of un-popped corn. Microwaveable and other fancier types are pricier.
Doing it yourdelf is half the fun!
Definitely, doing it yourself is half the fun. This morning at the supermarket I saw a huge bag of already popped corn, and wondered who would buy it.
Lots of people, apparently. They don’t know what they’re missing.
Popcorn was always a special treat when I was growing up. I can still vividly remember Mother making popcorn. She would pour a little oil in the bottom of a large aluminum pan and when it was hot, add a layer of popcorn kernels across the the bottom of the pan. Then the lid was placed on it, and she held the handles and shook the pan as the kernels began to pop. It only took a short while for the corn to pop and then we would eat it while still warm. Somewhere along the line, JiffyPop was created, which was popcorn pre-seasoned in an aluminum disposable pan with a foil top that would expand as the corn popped. Just yesterday, I popped a mini-bag in the microwave and enjoyed it. Some things just don’t change all that much.
I have similar memories of my mother making popcorn when I was a child. I also remember my father making popcorn after my mother died. We had a long drive to get to his home, and would often arrive for an extended visit at 10 or 11 pm. Inevitably there was a huge bowl of popcorn he’d made waiting on the kitchen counter for us.
That is a sweet memory. Thank you for sharing. Dad would make chili when he knew we were coming.
Thanks for this interesting post about popcorn. I didn’t know that it originally came in tins. I’ve never eaten much popcorn but it’s definitely a healthy choice if kept fairly plain.
Like you, I consider popcorn a healthy choice. I try to avoid putting salt and lots of additives on it.
Popcorn is a great snack. My parents used to occasionally make Jiffy Pop on the stove. It was very exciting to watch the foil expand.
Similarly today, it is fun to watch microwavable popcorn bags expand as the corn pops.
I enjoy the convenience of popping corn in the microwave. I haven’t done it in a year or so and should get back to it.
It’s so quick and easy to pop corn in the microwave.
We grew our own popcorn one year. It was fun, but we only did it the one time. I guess my gardener dad did not think it was so much fun!
🙂 Similarly, I remember my grandfather raising popcorn once or twice. I think that he ended up being frustrated that it didn’t pop as well as anticipated.
Hubby loves popcorn!!! I just pulled apart the pantry looking for the bag he said was not in there somewhere!!! Found 2 bags and that is in addition to the 1 gallon jar I keep on the kitchen cabinet for him because he can never find it in the pantry.
🙂 Thank goodness he has someone who can help him find things.
Wow, I didn’t realize it went back that far! It’s crazy to think people were snacking on the exact same popcorn brand 100 years ago.
Like you, I find it amazing that some brands, such as Jolly Time, have been around for a hundred years.
We’ve raised popcorn a time or two. .. but never enough to last long for our family loves popcorn especially on Sunday evenings.
Similarly, popcorn goes quickly in my family. It’s so tasty (and healthy, as long as their aren’t too many toppings).
I love pop corn. Don’t tell my dentist!
At least it doesn’t contain sugar. 🙂