Celebrating 100 Years With ‘Jolly Time’ Popcorn

Forget cakes and candies.  Hands down, my favorite treat has to be popcorn!  This morning we celebrated this delicious treat by speaking with Garry Smith, President of Jolly Time Popcorn!

Two things make the movie experience complete.  A comfortable couch is always a must, as is a big, delicious butter bowl of hot popcorn.

When I talked to Garry I could tell he was very passionate about his product.  Not only is he President of the Jolly Time company, but he’s also a fourth generation popcorn producer right here in Iowa.  His great-grandfather Cloyd Smith founded the American Popcorn Company.

While their company is celebrating 100 years, popcorn has actually been around for quite some time.  According to Garry, the corn plant is related to grass and is native to the Americas.  Archeologists have actually identified something close to popcorn in the caves of Mexico and Central America.  Yes, the Aztec Indians once enjoyed popcorn.

Columbus also found that the natives in the West Indies also popped popcorn, although they didn’t consume it, but rather wore it like jewelry.  The Iroquois Indians served popcorn to the pilgrims, too.

Popcorn became more popular in the late 1800s when street vendors began popping popcorn and roasting peanuts.

Unfortunately for folks in history, they didn’t have the delicious butter technology like we have today.  In fact, according to Garry, 80% of popcorn sold today has something to do with a butter flavor.

So how much popcorn does the President of the company eat?  He claims to enjoy it every day.

While candy might be good for Halloween, you might want to consider whipping up some good old fashion popcorn balls!

Jolly Time is available at local Hy-Vee and Fareway stores and you can learn more about their company and products at THE JOLLY TIME POPCORN WEBSITE.

~CMF