National Popcorn Day is January 19th. This treat can be sweet, savory, caramelized, buttered, plain, a candied ball or tossed with nuts & chocolate. “Corn” in Old English meant “grain” the most prominent grain grown in a region. Maize was the most common grain in early America, the word “corn” was aptly applied. Who can image going to the movies without getting a box of buttered popcorn? Popcorn is an economical choice for snacks. Americans eat 13 billion quarts of popcorn a year. Air popped popcorn.