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Popcorn

Popcorn, a puffed ear of corn Popcorn is a widely enjoyed food for both children and adults, served as a snack. At first glance, nothing destines it to become part of perfumes. Nevertheless, as gourmand and sweet accords have gained popularity, popcorn now readily finds its way into fragrances. This treat is made from corn kernels. However, not all corn varieties are suitable for making popcorn. The kernels must above all be very hard and contain enough water. As a general guideline, good popcorn corn should contain at least 14% water. The kernels are then heated to a very high temperature. It is only from 100 degrees that the moisture turns to steam, causing the kernel's watertight shell to burst. Each kernel then acts like a pressure cooker. Once the threshold of 180 degrees is exceeded, the kernel bursts, making a small sound, pop, which gives it its name.

Why do people eat popcorn at the movies?

Popcorn is a very ancient invention that was already being consumed in 3600 BC, in Mexico. The story goes that a wealthy farmer discovered it on a sunny day. He had left his surplus corn out to dry in the open air. That is when he heard a popping sound. After tasting these transformed corn kernels, he reportedly decided to make it his business.

Later, popcorn consumption reportedly increased thanks to the American confectioner Charles Cretors, inventor of the first mobile steam-powered popcorn machine, in Chicago in 1890.
But then, why do people eat popcorn at the movies? That history is much more recent. For a very long time, movie theaters opposed the consumption of popcorn. Yet this small treat was already being eaten at circuses, fairs, sporting events, and even political rallies. The reason for this rejection of popcorn? The noise! It was absolutely unthinkable to distract audiences during film screenings. It was not until the Great Depression, in the 1930s, that popcorn was introduced into theaters. At that time, for lack of funds, many theaters were forced to close. Other sources of profit had to be found. The Dallas theater chain was the first to offer popcorn machines in 80 of its venues. Within two years, attendance at this venue soared. Since then, the consumption of movie theater popcorn has become widely popular.

What if popcorn made its way into perfumery…

In perfumery, however, the use of popcorn is even more recent. Before the 1990s, no gourmand fragrance existed. The first sweet accords emerged thanks to Thierry Mugler. It was he who had the idea of introducing its flavor for the very first time, in the iconic fragrance Angel. Gourmand and sweet, popcorn evokes childhood memories. It recalls the scent of a fair and immerses one nostalgically in a deeply comforting atmosphere.

Perfumes with the Popcorn note