Hi Ethan,

Nobody invented popcorn. Popcorn is a "product" of nature! Popcorn is a member of the grass family. Scientifically known as zea mays everta, it is a type of maize (or corn). The kernels are actually the seeds of the plant and have special characteristics that allow them to explode when heated, turning them into a delicious treat. Sweet corn or field corn won't produce the same results as popcorn.

We know popcorn has been around for thousands of years because old ears of popcorn were found in the Bat Caves of New Mexico. Scientists were able to test them and dated them back roughly 4,000 years. But there's no way of knowing who originally discovered that popcorn kernels would pop when heated. I imagine that some Native Americans threw old popcorn husks into a fire for heating purposes and discovered it accidentally. But that's just my guess. Can you imagine how surprised those people were when those little hard seeds turned into a fluffy white treat?

Thanks for asking and enjoy the great, natural taste of popcorn!