Instant popcorn seems like it would be easy to make, but if you have ever tried yourself you know that it is an art. Making your popcorn just right takes skills…and knowledge. Did you know the popcorn button on your microwave isn’t the best way to prepare this tasty treat? The real best way may surprise you.
Believe it or not, there is a warning against using the popcorn button located on instant popcorn bags. This setting operates to a preset time. Since it does not have a humidity sensor, the microwave can’t actually tell if the popcorn is burning. The result – your popcorn will definitely not be at its peak of yumminess.
There’s a much better way to make light, fluffy popcorn. First, always check the expiration date on your popcorn packet. When kernels get too old they dry out. This means that they won’t pop. I don’t think I have to tell you that un-popped popcorn is not delicious.
Instead, start out by heating up a cup of water. Place the water in a microwave-safe container and heat it for about a minute. This will add some humidity to the chamber of the microwave, which will be all the better for your popcorn. Once the water is heated, remove it and put the popcorn packet in immediately.
Next, heat the popcorn for the amount of time listed in the instructions. Don’t rely on time alone, though. It is much better to use sound. Even companies like Orville Redenbacher share that sound is a much better gage of the treat than time is. You can hear the popcorn popping as it heats. Once it is all popped, it is ready for you to plop into your mouth.
If you want an even better way, ditch the popcorn packet. Paper products contain undesired extra chemicals anyway, and you may not want them heated and spreading into your food. Empty the kernels into a microwave-safe glass bowl. Next, cover the bowl with a microwave-safe dish.
To really step your game up, go for a cover that has vents in it. This will help regulate the humidity inside the bowl. The vents will allow the steam to escape, leaving your kernels in an environment optimal for popping.
As moisture fills the microwave, the kernels will pop into delicious, fluffy popcorn. The best part of this method is that almost all of the kernels will be white; no longer will you have to deal with a burnt snack.
For yet another level-up, buy the kernels themselves instead of instant popcorn. This method is cheaper and healthier. Empty the kernels into the bowl and heat them as described above. Once you remove the popcorn from the microwave, you can customize it with all your favorite seasonings.
This may seem odd, but there’s actually an app for making perfect popcorn. Perfect Pop will let your iPhone do the cooking for you. It will listen to the microwave and alert you when your treat is ready. Just be sure to leave your phone close enough to the microwave that it can listen properly.
A strange thing called a “kernel widget” can actually analyze the sound of the kernels popping. It measures this analysis against information about several types of microwaves and types of heatable popcorn. It puts it all together and tells you when your tasty treat is just right.
So maybe you’ve been cooking popcorn the wrong way your entire life. It’s never too late to learn. With these helpful tips, you’ll be able to make the best popcorn ever. Enjoy!
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