Popcorn holds a special place in most Americans’ hearts. It’s a food that’s enjoyed as a snack, particularly at movie theaters or at fairs where people seemingly consume copious amounts of it. It’s also a snack that can be healthy if it’s prepared without all the added butter and salt that is usually added to it.

According to the latest research, eating plain popcorn may lower a person’s risk of diabetes, lower their risk of heart disease, and help them feel fuller longer. It also has a lot of nutritional value. Popcorn is full of fiber, folates, B vitamins, and pantothenic acid.

All of these are good reasons for people to start popping their own popcorn, especially in October — a month that’s known as National Popcorn Poppin’ Month.

The History of National Popcorn Poppin’ Month

National Popcorn Poppin’ Month was officially made an official observance in 1999. This is when U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman created the holiday through a proclamation.

It has since been observed every year by popcorn lovers all across the U.S. And apparently, there are a lot of fans of popcorn in the U.S. because the average American consumes 47 quarts of it per year!

Some Fun Facts About Popcorn

What’s more fun than popping popcorn? Well, it’s learning about popcorn, of course. That’s why we searched the World Wide Web and found some of the most fun, tastiest, and educational facts about popcorn that we could find. Want to look at ’em? Good, let’s do it.

• Popcorn has been grown for over 5,000 years.
• January 19th is observed as National Popcorn Day.
• When sugar was rationed during World War II, popcorn consumption in the U.S. rose by 300%.
• During the 19th century, popcorn was often eaten like a breakfast cereal. Yes, people added milk and sugar to it.
• In 1982, Pillsbury invented microwave popcorn.
• On April 6, 1949, a bill was introduced into the Oregon State Senate. This bill proposed banning peanuts and popcorn.
• Native Americans made soup and beer out of popcorn.
• Over 17 billion quarts of popcorn are eaten in the U.S. every year.

Observing National Popcorn Poppin’ Month

During this month, everyone is encouraged to go ahead and enjoy popcorn. Making popcorn at home is quick and easy and only requires some quality corn kernels, some oil, and a pot with a lid.

Microwave popcorn is also an option for people to consider. Anyone popping corn during this month should let the world know about it using the hashtag #PopcornPoppinMonth.