National Popcorn Day

19 January is National Popcorn Day, a day to celebrate one of the most popular treats worldwide.

Maize – called ‘corn’ in the United States, Canada and a few other countries – has played an important role in the diets of various cultures and, since being imported from the New World (the Americas, including nearby islands) has spread to be a worldwide phenomenon. Popcorn, which is not only delightful but delicious too, is part of so many traditions. Popcorn balls are a favourite at children’s parties and some use popcorn strings to decorate their Christmas trees. It is enjoyed by moviegoers all year round.

The history of popcorn is quite complex. Maize was derived from a small grass species with kernels that look much like wheat. Careful selection and generations of breeding have resulted in the maize plant as we know it today.

Somewhere along the line someone realised that certain maize kernels, when subject to heat, would pop and reveal their soft fluffy endosperm in a cloud around their shell. It did not take long to discover that this was a light and delicious treat. There is actually two types of popcorn, but the yellow popcorn used at in movie theatres are by far the most popular.

Popcorn has many uses – from arts and crafts to forming the base of some of the most popular treats around. You can find it just about anywhere. National Popcorn Day was born following the decision by the ‘US National Popcorn Board’ that this tasty treat deserved a day of celebration and recognition of its own.

Celebrating National Popcorn Day is as simple and delicious as it comes! You can start off by just enjoying a bag of popcorn with your favourite topping, of which there are a delectable variety. You can have it with the classic butter-and-salt mix, or get creative and add some herbs and spices. Everything goes well with popcorn, there is not a thing you cannot have with it. If you want a lighter, healthier snack, forego the butter and add some rosemary, thyme or cayenne pepper. Or, forget about being healthy and bury it under a delectable coating of caramel and bacon to enjoy a truly decadent snack.

You can also celebrate today by doing some arts and crafts. Popcorn strings are a wonderful decoration, you can make garlands or even glue it to construction paper for a collage!

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