Why won't my homegrown popcorn pop?

After a couple weeks, test a few kernels for popping quality. Popping problems usually indicate the corn is either too dry or too wet. Dry corn tends to pop partially or not at all. If the corn is too dry, remove the kernels from the ears then add moisture as described below.

Why is my homegrown popcorn not popping?

Popcorn kernels will not pop if they contain too little or too much water moisture inside the kernel. The popcorn kernels which do pop have 14-15% moisture in the hull and anything less or more will cause the popcorn kernel to not explode. You can test the moisture of your popcorn by using your fingernail.

What to do if popcorn is not popping?

When there's not enough moisture, there's not a good pop. The solution, we were delighted to discover, was easy. We put the dud-corn in a jar, added a bit of water, let it sit for a day or so to absorb the moisture, and voila, the freshest, poppy-est popcorn you could ever wish for!

Can popcorn be too dry to pop?

If after a day the popcorn is still too dry, add another teaspoon of water and let it sit for another day. If the kernels are now too WET, just pour out the kernels onto a plate for a couple of hours to dry out a bit. When you think the kernels are about right – take 5 or so of them and try to pop them.

Does soaking popcorn make it pop better?

When you soak popcorn kernels in water, the seeds absorb extra moisture. This increased water content causes the kernels to pop slightly faster. The increased speed of popping is not significant when soaking kernels in water. It can and does cause some of the kernels to be fluffy.

Why some of the kernels in your popcorn don't pop

How do you make popcorn from fresh corn?

Put whole corn cob, or extracted kernels, into a medium-size paper bag. Fold the end of the bag over twice, and microwave on high heat until popping slows to between 2–3 seconds. Be careful of steam when you open the bag. Enjoy your popcorn on the cob!

What happens if you plant popcorn kernels?

It is possible to grow plants from the kernels you get for making popcorn, but remember this is a corn that isn't any good as sweet corn. it it very starchy and not sweet. it would only be good to use for more popcorn.

How do you dry corn for popping?

Shell a few ears and lay the kernels on a dehydrator tray. Dehydrate between 120-130°F, checking few hours until it's popping well. To save space, shell your popcorn and place it in airtight containers. It will keep for several years.

Can you make popcorn from fresh corn on the cob?

You can make popcorn from a cob, but only if the cob is specifically a popcorn cob (sweetcorn and other varieties won't pop). It's relatively easy to make popcorn from corn cob, and it can be done using a stove or microwave.

Can you Repop popcorn that didn't pop?

When you reach the bottom of the bag of popcorn—and with it, all of the stubborn kernels that didn't pop—take a few moments to collect the unpopped kernels. Add them to a jar or container, and before you know it, you'll have amassed enough unpopped kernels to serve as a batch all by themselves.

Do all corn kernels pop?

It resembles corn-on-the-cob in appearance and cultivation, although only popcorn kernels have the ability to pop. Popcorn, like all six types of corn, is a cereal grain and originates from a wild grass. Its scientific name is Zea mays everta, and it is the only type of corn to actually pop.

What does too much oil do to popcorn?

If you use too much oil, this can easily lead to poor popping results. The problem with too much oil is that the kernels end up swimming in the oil and roasting slowly instead of exploding into fully popped kernels. Also, do not pour in too many kernels with the oil.

When should I harvest my popcorn?

Popcorn is ready to harvest when the silks turn brown and the kernels are fully mature, firm, and well colored. Leave corn drying on the stalks as long as possible, allowing the kernels to dry down naturally on the ear.

Does corn need to be dried for popcorn?

The key to proper popping is in the drying of the corn. This process is an exercise in self-control as you need to wait for properly cured, hard kernels before you get out the popcorn butter. Popcorn must be left to dry on the cornstalk completely. This is longer than traditional sweet corn.

How do you make homemade popcorn kernels?

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the oil and 2 popcorn kernels. Cover the pot and wait for the kernels to pop, which might take a few minutes. In the meantime, place a large serving bowl near the stove so it's ready when you need it.

Can you plant popcorn seeds from the grocery store?

You'll Need Fertile Seed

No, you can't open a bag of popcorn from the grocery store and plant it. Most store bought popcorn isn't fertile because of the heating and sterilization processes it undergoes. You'll need to buy fertile popcorn from your local garden center and there are plenty to choose from on the internet.

How long does it take for popcorn seeds to germinate?

Because corn is wind-pollinated, it pays to plant in blocks of four rows, following the sowing instructions for depth and spacing. Compared to other corn, popcorn is slower to germinate, taking about 10 days to shoot up, and slower to grow.

Can any kind of corn be popcorn?

As it turns out, the corn that we typically eat is different than the kernels that become popcorn. Only one variety of maize will make it – Zea mays everta. Though it looks like a typical corn kernel, this particular variety is the only one that can pop and turn into a delicious snack.

Why does corn on the cob not pop?

Sweet corn, or “corn on the cob,” is almost all soft starch and will never pop. It contains more sugar than other types of corn.

Which corn is best for popcorn?

Some strains of corn (taxonomized as Zea mays) are cultivated specifically as popping corns. The Zea mays variety everta, a special kind of flint corn, is the most common of these.

What is the best oil to make popcorn?

Walnut, avocado or extra virgin olive oils are best when making popcorn on the stovetop. Canola oil is the next best option. Flaxseed and wheat germ oil shouldn't be heated, so they don't really work for popping popcorn.

What's the best oil for popcorn?

The best cooking oil for popcorn has a high smoking point, and canola oil is the most excellent option if you seek to make a healthy snack. Canola oil, unlike other oils, are high in omega-3 fatty acids and vegan friendly.

How do I make my popcorn soft and fluffy?

Perfect Popcorn

The Internet-approved tip is as follows: Soak popcorn kernels in water for 10 minutes, then drain and pop as normal. The theory is that the extra moisture helps produce fluffier puffs.