Fun and quirky facts from the best popcorn manufacturers Empire

Posted by empirepopcorn on August 9th, 2014

With popcorn becoming more and more popular we thought we’d go to one of the most popular popcorn manufacturers in the UK, Empire Popcorn, for some fun and quirky facts on our favourite snack. Whether we’re at the movies or at home with a DVD, nothing beats the great taste of our favourite popcorn so let’s find out a little more about it.

1. Although you might not believe it popcorn actually has a very scientific name, Zea Mays Everta and it’s the only corn in the world that will pop like it does.

2. Popcorn has been around for thousands and thousands of years. Back in 1948, five thousand year old kernels were actually discovered in caves in New Mexico.

3. It’s believed that popcorn was actually introduced by the Native American Tribe the Wampanoag who brought it for the first ever Thanksgiving in Massachusetts.

4. Traditionally the tribes would flavour their popcorn with herbs and spices and even chilli. Sounds like they were on to gourmet flavours long before us here in the UK. They even made popcorn into headdresses and jewellery.

5. It was originally believed that a spirit lived in each kernel. They wouldn’t bother people unless their home was heated. This would make them jump around getting very angry until eventually they would ‘pop’ and the spirit would burst out.

6. So the tale goes, Christopher Columbus introduced popcorn to the Europeans in the 15^th century.

7. The first ever commercial popcorn machine was invented in 1885 by Charles Cretors in Chicago USA. The business he created all those years ago still creates popcorn machines and other such speciality equipment to this day.

8. When popcorn was first sold outside of theatres and cinemas, theatre owners were actually very annoyed fearing it would distract moviegoers from the film. It took a good few years to realise that it actually had the opposite effect. Popcorn was then sold in movie theatres from 1912 onwards.

9. Most cinemas now make a bigger profit from popcorn than they do from ticket sales. It also makes moviegoers thirsty making them spend more money on expensive drinks.

10. On average a kernel will pop when it reaches around 347 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.

11. Unpopped kernels even have names and are usually called “old maids” or “spinsters”. Good popcorn should ideally produce less than two percent “old maids”.

12. Popcorn is naturally high in fibre, low in fat and calories as well as sodium and sugar. It’s considered a healthier snack than most others like chocolate or crisps.

13. Popcorn isn’t just limited to sweet popcorn or salted anymore. Gourmet flavours are now being produced in the UK causing great excitement.

Empire Popcorn and Confectionary Company are one the UK’s best popcorn manufacturers creating amazing gourmet flavours with the finest ingredients possible. Take a peek at their website and order yours today.

For more information about Buy POPCORN Online visit; (http://www.empirepopcorn.co.uk/)