Kettlecorn has grown in popularity over the years to become one of the tastiest snack foods on the market. With the ease people have fitting it into their diets and its ability to take on flavors that people add, kettlecorn represents a versatile snack. But have you ever wondered about this delectable snack food and the secrets of its history?
Where did kettlecorn originate? It’s a valid question, with answers shrouded in mystery. Here at Best Darn Kettlecorn, we provide the best popcorn flavors online so that your next delicious sweet and salty fix is just a click away. We know a thing or two about kettle corn and some facts about its storied history.
Before we explore the various theories about where kettlecorn came from, let’s define kettlecorn:
What is Kettlecorn?
Kettlecorn is sweet and salty popcorn, popularly sold at flea markets, fairs, and festivals. However, we honestly believe the kettlecorn we produce is the fluffiest, puffiest, best-tasting popcorn available. During the cooking process, sugar gets added to the popcorn to balance sweetness and saltiness, making it such a craveable snack staple.
But Where Did Kettlecorn Originate?
There has been some dispute about where the delicacy originally came from, with arguments for both Germanic and Dutch roots being the two most likely places. However, kettlecorn as we know it began to show up in the late 1770s in the Colonial United States.
From Europe to the New World
In the 18th century, European immigrants traveled to America with kettlecorn. The first historical reference of this popular product can be found amongst the diaries of Dutch Pennsylvania settlers. At the time, kettlecorn was produced both in Dutch ovens and cast iron kettles.
Even back then, it was a popular treat at fairs and other festive occasions. However, the Dutch used honey, rather than sugar, to sweeten the corn. That tradition as a fair and festival mainstay has persisted throughout history to the present day.
Like most historical accounts of food, kettlecorn’s exact origin cannot be pinpointed to a definite place or people. Some historians say that it dates from 18th-century farmers, who would cook their corn in the cast iron pots they used for rendering lard. They would place the corn over an open fire, where it could cook in the pork fat. If they wanted to sweeten their recipe, they would add sugar, honey, or molasses.
The Wild West
There are also historical references to cowboys in the Wild West creating kettlecorn using molasses and honey. Throughout the early-to-mid 19th century, kettlecorn was incredibly popular across the United States. These recipes highlight the typical ingredients of the time and showcase that even without today’s technological advancements, they could still make delicious kettlecorn.
As we continue to look back at how kettlecorn has evolved over the generations, there are places where you will commonly find the delicacy. You’ll almost always see kettlecorn as a feature of Civil War reenactments, which indicates that the snack was popular in the mid-1800s.
Today, kettlecorn can be purchased in various places, including grocery stores, concession stands in theatres, and movies. The enduring popularity of kettlecorn means that people have latched onto the salty-sweet treat and have enabled the market for it to continue to grow. We’re sure you’ll agree; the microwave versions of this treat don’t taste as good as when it’s made fresh from scratch!
So whether it’s cheese popcorn, caramel corn, chocolate, or gourmet varieties that make your mouth water, you can click here to order the Best Darn Kettlecorn around, straight to your door!