To make the Best Popcorn Possible, it all starts with the Popcorn Kernels!

In this article on Popcorn Kernels we give you basic information on Popcorn Kernels, the type of kernels there are, what makes a Kernel POP, How to Pop Popcorn Kernels and were to get the Best Quality Popcorn Kernels! .

All about Popcorn Kernels and making Popcorn!

We tell you what makes popcorn pop and teach you how to pop popcorn along with some great tricks for making it at home along with plenty of links for more information like this link to learn how to make Chocolate Popcorn!

Basic Information about Maize (popcorn).

Popcorn really is corn or Maize. it has been around for thousands of years. In the united states it really gained popularity during the great depression because a bag of popcorn was so cheap (5 cents). It was filling and fairly nutritious. So during the great depression while other industries were failing the popcorn industry POPPED! Since then the varieties of popcorn and methods of preparing it have grown. Gourmet popcorn is now available thru out the United states and it is a mainstay of the movie theater business. Popcorn -made from popcorn kernels- is in fact the official state snack food of Illinois!

OK so what makes them POP?

As everyone knows the outside of a popcorn kernel is hard. Not only is it hard but it is moisture proof. Inside the kernel there is moisture, protein and starchy oil. When you heat a popcorn kernel hot enough the moisture turns to steam and as it does it builds up pressure until the strong outer hull can't contain it anymore and it pops. When it pops the pressure is suddenly released outward which expands the starch and protein in the kernel into a puffy white foam. This foam cools and hardens almost instantly into the classic popcorn!!

NASA has an excellent website page on the history of Popcorn and everything about popcorn. Why does NASA have a web page on Popcorn ? I do not know. But here is the link to Nasa's Popcorn Kernel Page!

Learn How to make popcorn

1) You can buy microwave popcorn in bags.

This popcorn is ready to pop.
You simply follow the instructions on the bag:
Placing it a microwave right side up and cook as indicated for 3 – 5 minutes.
If your microwave does not have a turning table inside it helps to stop and shake the bag every minute.
You stop cooking when the popping sound slows down to only a few pops every 5 seconds.
There will always be some unpopped Popcorn kernels left over in the bag. If you try to cook them all you just end up burning some of the ones that already cooked so its better to have a few left over then burnt popcorn!

2) You can buy Popcorn Kernels at the store and cook them in a covered pot on the stove. Here are the basic instructions:

You need a 2 quart pot with lid for a 1/4 cup of kernels or a 4 qt pot for a half cup of kernels.
Add a tablespoon of cooking oil to the bottom of the pot

Add the popcorn kernels.

Place the Cover on the pan.

Cook on medium high or high.

Shake the pan every 15 -30 seconds to keep the kernels from burning on one side.

When the popping slows to 3 to 5 seconds between pops,its done.

Remove from heat and add Popcorn Seasoning to taste

3) You can buy an inexpensive air popcorn popper to pop them like they do at the movie theater.

They are easy to use and fun.
You just follow the instruction on the machine.
There is no need to use a stove or microwave.
No need to shake the bag or the pan.
Hot air pops the kernels so you never burn them either.
They do not cook in oil so it is the healthiest way to cook popcorn!
You can check them out at Amazon at this link:

Where to get the Best Quality Kernels for popping!

Yes there really are Gourmet Popcorn Kernels and specialty ones like "Hulless" popcorn that make popcorn with less of the hard pieces that stick in your teeth!

Everybody claims they have the best .
For Microwave popcorn check out your local grocery store. Every ones tastes vary.
For Gourmet Popcorn you can check out amazon.com or check out your local supermarket for more generic popcorn kernels.
For the best Popcorn, just get the plain popcorn Kernels without flavoring. Then click on this link to read our article on how to make Flavored Popcorn!

You can click on this link to go to our main page and read more about the Best healthy snack food!

OK thats it for this article

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