Why do we eat popcorn at the movies? - Andrew Smith

Trace the history of popcorn, from its origins in the Americas to its explosion of popularity in the 20th century.

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Soft percussion and a toasty scent mark the violent transformation of tough seeds into cloud-like puffs. This is the almost magical process of popcorn-making. Dozens of kinds of popcorn are now grown in the US, with different strains assuming distinctive shapes when their kernels explode. So, how did we actually end up with this whimsical food? Andrew Smith traces the history of popcorn.

Lesson by Andrew Smith, directed by Mitchelle Tamariz.

This video made possible in collaboration with Marriott Hotels

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[zeltulrich]

My grandfather, who recently passed away, was a popcorn eccentric. He used to experiment with different flavors and toppings just for the thrill of it. One night, he decided to try making popcorn with coconut oil instead of the usual butter. To our family's surprise, it turned out to be the most delicious popcorn we ever had. Thanks for the video, it truly brings me back.

[flugshub]

My favorite thing in the world is the fact that "grabbing some popcorn" denotes that whatever happens to be going on in real life is extremely dramatic and entertaining.

[llfn]

I've worked at a movie theater for 5 years now. When I saw the title of this video I immediately clicked on it! I love these kinds of videos!

[TopFix]

Fun fact, cinemas love selling popcorn because it's a snack that dehydrates you quickly, which means you're more likely to keep refilling on drinks.

[orangebot_]

I worked at a movie theater last year. One time, I was cleaning the filters beneath the soda towers and I found a popcorn kernel sprouting. It had fallen down there at some point and had been saturated by the water and soda falling through the filter.

[JasonCan-wpfu]

That moment when the movie finally starts but you realize the popcorn is empty.

[avanikulkarni]

only Ted Ed can clamp together two of the most iconic things in a single video
1. Rick Riordan
2. Popcorn puns

[frankydman]

Fun fact-
One American food scientist spent the better part of 40 years of his life growing and perfecting what he saw as the perfect corn for popcorn; he spent so long on this project that by the time he launched his popcorn brand to the public, he was in his early sixties.

The food scientist in question? Orville Redenbacher

[YOLLIE.]

I love that they described popcorn making as a ✨magical process ✨

[espressomagic]

"Popcorn popped off yet again" being said in the most calming, monotone voice ever is the funniest thing I've heard today

[adriand]

I really like the history of Mexican foods (also working for 3 yrs in a Mexican restaurant)and also general history subjects. Great job like always from Ted Ed

[someguy]

Popcorn is one of the healthiest snacks, as long as you don't add things like butter. I use an air popper, and eat it with nori seaweed, which is another snack that is one of the healthiest. Together, they are tastier than they are when eaten separately.

[tolubadejo]

I like how TedEd finds topics I won't ordinarily think of, but can't get out of my head if I do.
Good one.

[rhondahuggins]

Popcorn immediately makes me nostalgic! As a kid, no movie outing was complete without a bag of popcorn. My Mother loved going to the movies and getting popcorn...so those wonderful experiences are relived everytime I make popcorn which is sometimes everyday. It's tragic that buying at the theaters will set you back at least $6...a fact my Mom would find appalling.

[garg]

I had no idea popcorn had such an ancient history!

And I actually remember thinking a while back about why it's used in movie theaters: it's quick and easy to make, it's very light but very filling, and it has a mild, inoffensive taste that can be enhanced with salt or butter if needed, making it perfect for the events and locations it's used for, like circuses and carnivals

[emilymitulski]

One of my fondest memories from childhood is enjoying popcorn at my grandparents' house. They would use kernels rather than the microwave bags.

[benjaminli]

I immediately clicked this video because I have a friend named Andrew Smith and he loves movies and popcorn and I was watching Ted Ed mythological animation and thinking about sharing it with him....

What a lot of coincidence 😆

[KnightsofGaming]

I love these brief history of food videos.

[wjstix]

My parents were both born in 1918, and said that eating popcorn at the movie theater was a common and expected thing during the silent movie era of the 1920s. I've seen another source that said popcorn wasn't sold in theaters until WW2 due to sugar rationing. Could be popcorn was more common here in the Midwest than say the east or west coast?

[geminithetwins]

I was watching a movie on T.V a few days ago and I felt the need of popcorns, but there wasn't any packet at home. Made me question why we associate popcorn with movies, and now I'm seeing this video. It's like YouTube has read my mind