Popcorn

In 1948 kernels of an early corn variety capable of being popped were found in an archaeological dig in a New Mexico rock shelter known as "Bat Cave". These finds are widely reported as being the oldest ears of popcorn ever found; such reports often say they are dated to be 4000–5000 years old, or more. The actual facts about the Bat Cave corn are less clear. While initial reports dated the corn to be 4000–5000 years old, in 1967 the same researchers revealed data from more specifically targeted dating: a sample consisting only of cobs was dated to be 1,752 years old, and a sample of cobs and nearby wood 2,249 years. These dates have been called into question as well: Michael S. Berry, after a study of the Bat Cave procedures, wrote it "was a poorly excavated site that can be interpreted nearly any way one pleases by juggling the data." In these times popcorn was prepared by using a bowl containing sand and placing the bowl over a fire, the sand heated the kernels and the ready popcorn rised to the top from under the sand. Popcorn in those days was most likely ground up into a gruel afterwards.

Popcorn was very popular in the 1890s, until the Great Depression . As corn crops became more depleted during the Great Depression, nuts were used instead of corn. During the Depression, popcorn was a luxury at 5-10 cents a bag. When some of the other businesses failed, the popcorn business thrived.