The doodle that Google dedicates to popcorn: why it chose this date to celebrate popcorn
This Wednesday, September 25, Google surprised its users with an interactive Doodle that celebrates one of the most popular foods in the world: popcorn. From the search engine’s main page, users can immerse themselves in an entertaining online game where a popcorn must escape dangers such as butter, salt and fire, in an attempt to survive the cooking process.
This widget not only pays tribute to this popular snack, also known as pochoclo, pororó or pipoca, but also invites users to discover its rich history, a food that has accompanied generations in movie theaters, fairs and homes. On September 25, 2020, the world’s largest popcorn machine was recognized with a record in Thailand, and this special date has been chosen by Google to celebrate the legacy of this iconic food.
Over the years, popcorn has transcended the borders of the United States to become a global snack, with different variants depending on the region. From popcorn with nori in Japan, to maple-covered ones in Canada or versions with za’atar in the Middle East, this food has been able to adapt to the palates of different cultures.
The Google Doodle is known for highlighting globally relevant characters, milestones, and events. On this occasion, the interactive doodle seeks to commemorate a food that has not only left its mark on popular culture, but also on gastronomic history. By clicking on the doodle, users are directed to an online game where they control a popcorn that must avoid being “popped” while escaping attacks from butter, salt, fire and, of course, the microwave.
Google dedicates an interactive doodle to World Popcorn Day
This game is not only a fun competition, but it is also a visual metaphor for the process of making popcorn. The graphics show a bucket of popcorn surrounded by a yellow and light blue mist, with a salt shaker and a block of butter with angry expressions, symbolizing the threats that the popcorn must avoid. In the background, a fire with a threatening face adds a sense of tension and urgency, which emulates the heat that transforms corn kernels into the crunchy popcorn we all know.
The doodle also offers different game modes, allowing users to play alone or as a team. In the latter mode, players can share the game link with friends to connect and compete together. In addition to its playful component, this doodle invites users to reflect on the cultural importance of popcorn and how this food has been enjoyed for centuries.
Google’s choice to celebrate popcorn on September 25 is no coincidence. On this date, in 2020, a historic milestone was recorded in Thailand: the creation of the largest popcorn machine in the world, which was recognized with a world record. This event marked a before and after in the history of this food, and Google decided to commemorate the occasion with a doodle that not only highlights this achievement, but also celebrates the rich history of popcorn globally.
In 2020, Thailand presented the largest popcorn machine in the world (Illustrative Image Infobae)
The origin of popcorn dates back to the 16th century, when Mesoamerican civilizations, such as the Aztecs, already used corn to make popcorn and decorate their ceremonial clothing. However, it was in the 19th century, in the United States, where popcorn became popular as a staple food. Curiously, in the beginning, popcorn was eaten as a breakfast, accompanied by milk, something that seems inconceivable today.
The first popcorn machine was invented in the 1890s, allowing this snack to become more accessible and its consumption to expand rapidly. Its relationship with cinema began in the first decades of the 20th century, when popcorn was sold in theaters in the United States at affordable prices, becoming the perfect companion for enjoying movies.
Although today popcorn can be bought at any movie theater or made quickly in the microwave, its traditional preparation is a simple and delicious process that you can do at home. Next, we explain how to make popcorn the classic way.
In the 19th century, popcorn became popular in the United States (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Popcorn Oil (preferably corn or sunflower) Salt or sugar, according to your preferences Butter (optional)