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Saturday 24 September 2011

Evolution Of The Popcorn Machine

By John Charles


People have been enjoying popcorn for over four thousand years. The popcorn machine has evolved from placing seeds on heated rocks, to the modern microwave oven used in most homes today. Primitive people would not recognize how it is being made but the product remains the same, delicious snacks.

One of the earliest device was found in Peru. It is a shallow container with a handle on its side and held over an open flame. Another method was to heat sand and place the kernels in it to pop. Yet another, culture would place the kernels on heated stones to pop.

Blacksmiths in the eighteenth century built a device that was able to be turned while over the open fire. It had a metal spit in the center of metal cone. Rotating the cone like a roasting rack prevented the corn from burning. More people were able to enjoy the snack.

In the nineteenth a peanut roaster was converted to pop corn by a sweet shop owner. He kept the machine in front of his store and sold the treat to people entering his store or passing by on the street. He took his idea to the Chicago Colombian Exposition and other vendors began to place orders for one to be built for them.

Up to this time, the most common method for popping corn was using the metal cone or a basket over an open flame. The new invention was steam powered and used heated oil. There was also a bin underneath for storage of the popped kernels and keep it warm.

In the 1900's an electric method was introduced. Cleaner, quieter and lighter, the new model became popular. Used in movie theaters and on sidewalks, merchants could sell their product before the movie crowds purchased tickets.

Families began to spend most of their time at home and the popularity of this snack began to decline. However, in the sixties, a sleeker version was introduced. The new machines began to appear in place of the older versions in concession stands and on lunch counters. Homemakers were able to provide the tasty and simple treat to their family while enjoying a television show together.

People have been using a popcorn machine for thousands of years. The design has changed dramatically but the out come is the same. Today, a machine can be purchased that will measure butter and dispense it. Others will make cheese corn, caramel corn, and other flavors. For individual or commercial use, there is a popcorn machine for all needs.




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