Peruvian cultures ate popcorn 1,000 years ago and European explorers enjoyed the treat as they traveled through the Americas in the early 1600's. But popcorn really caught on in the late 1800's and remained a popular, inexpensive treat through the Great Depression. With TV's introduction, fewer people went to the movies and popcorn consumption slowed. Then the popcorn industry encouraged the public to eat popcorn while they watched TV at home and sales started to rise. The introduction of microwave popcorn in the 1980's also boosted sales.

Fun Popcorn Facts: