Making popcorn in a jar is an easy process that only requires a few basic ingredients and a few simple steps.
You’ll need:
– 1/4 cup yellow corn kernels
– 1/2 teaspoon oil
– A pint-sized Mason jar with a lid
Step 1:
Add the corn kernels and oil to the Mason jar and cover it with the lid. Make sure to securely screw the lid on.
Step 2:
Place the jar in the microwave and cook for two and a half minutes. After it’s done cooking, carefully remove the jar from the microwave.
Step 3:
Carefully remove the lid from the jar and shake it for 10-15 seconds. Then replace the lid and shake again for an additional 10-15 seconds. This will help the kernels to pop evenly.
Step 4:
With the lid still on, place the jar back in the microwave for an additional two minutes. When the popping slows down you can stop.
Step 5:
Carefully remove the jar from the microwave and open the lid away from your face. Then grab a handful of popcorn and enjoy!
How can I pop my popcorn without microwave?
One way to pop popcorn without a microwave is through an old-fashioned stove-top method. To do this, you will need a heavy-bottomed pot and a lid. Start by covering the bottom of the pot with a thin layer of oil, like vegetable or peanut.
Once the oil is hot, pour 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels into the pot and cover it with the lid. Then, shake the pot constantly over medium-high heat as the kernels start to pop. Be mindful of the popcorn, as it can start to burn quickly.
Once the popping starts to slow down, remove the pot from the heat and carefully remove the lid. Then, transfer the popcorn to a bowl and season it as desired.
What can I pop popcorn in?
You can pop popcorn in a variety of different methods. If you don’t have an air popper, you can use a pot with a lid. Start by adding some oil to the pot, about 2-3 tablespoons for every ½ cup of popcorn kernels.
Heat the oil up, then add in the kernels and stir them around. Place the lid on the pot, letting the heat build up and shake the pot occasionally. When you hear a few seconds between pops, take it off the heat, as it will burn quickly.
If you don’t have a pot and lid, you can also use the microwave. Find a microwave safe bowl with a lid, or put a plate over the top of the bowl, and add the popcorn and oil, stirring and cover. Put it into the microwave and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between each cycle, until most of the kernels have popped.
Finally, you can use a pressure cooker without the lid, adding in your popcorn and oil, and shook until finished. This is the quickest way to pop your popcorn, with a majority of the kernels popping within 1 minute.
Does soaking popcorn make it pop better?
Yes, soaking popcorn can make it pop better. Soaking popcorn involves submerging kernels in water for 8-12 hours before popping them. This step helps absorb moisture into the kernel, and allows the kernel to cook more completely during the popping process.
As a result, more popcorn kernels will pop, resulting in a higher yield. Moreover, popcorn that has been soaked is more crispy and crunchy compared to popcorn that has not been soaked. Although it is an extra step, many people believe that it is worth the time and effort to get better tasting popcorn.
What kind of oil should I use for popcorn?
When making popcorn, it’s important to use an oil that has a high smoke point. High smoke point oils are more likely to keep popcorn from burning and producing an acrid taste. Popular choices include coconut oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, and peanut oil.
Coconut oil has one of the highest smoke points of all oils (450°F), and it also adds a slightly sweet and butter-like flavor to popcorn. Sunflower and peanut oil have similarly high smoke points (around 450°F) and provide a nutty flavor.
Avocado oil is another popular choice as its smoke point is quite high (around 520°F).
If you are looking for a more health-conscious oil, grapeseed oil and canola oil have relatively high smoke points (420°F and 400°F respectively). However, these oils tend to have a more neutral or slightly bitter taste, so it’s recommended to add in other ingredients such as salt, butter, or seasoning to bring out the flavor.
In addition, make sure to use oil sparingly, as too much can give popcorn a greasy taste and texture.
What is the healthiest way to make popcorn?
The healthiest way to make popcorn is to use an air popper. Unlike microwave bags and oil-based stovetop methods, which can be high in saturated fat, an air popper uses hot air instead of oil to pop the kernels.
Or, you can avoid processed and pre-packaged popcorn altogether, and pop the kernels at home using the stovetop method. Start by heating a tablespoon or two of a healthy oil – like canola oil – in a large, heavy-bottomed pot with some kernels.
Use a lid, stir often, and wait until the popping slows down before removing the lid and serving. To add flavor, you can also add some seasonings to the oil before you put the popcorn in. Avoid butter or margarine as these can add unnecessary fat and calories to the popcorn, but you can use some herbs, spices and Parmesan cheese for a delicious and healthy seasoning option.
Can you pop bagged popcorn on the stove?
Yes, you can pop bagged popcorn on the stove. Popcorn bags are designed for cooking in the microwave but can also be cooked on the stovetop. You’ll need a large pot with a lid and a teaspoon or two of oil.
Place the pot on the stovetop over medium heat and then add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the popcorn, put the lid on the pot and let it start to pop. Shake the pot a few times to ensure the popcorn doesn’t burn.
Once the popping slows down, remove the pot from the heat and let the popcorn finish popping. And there you have it – stovetop popped popcorn! Be sure to take the necessary precautions when popping popcorn, as the steam and oil can be dangerous and the kernels will be very hot. Enjoy!.
What is the way to store popcorn long term?
To store popcorn long term, it is best to keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place in an airtight container. An opaque container (e. g. one that doesn’t let in light) is helpful to protect the popcorn from becoming stale.
It is also a good idea to store the popcorn away from strong-smelling items, as the popcorn can absorb these odors. For the best results, popcorn should be consumed within three months of storing it.
If you need to store the popcorn longer than that, you may want to consider freezing it, which will extend its shelf life. To know if your popcorn is still safe to consume, check for signs of mold. To freeze the popcorn, place it in a freezer bag, squeezing out any excess air, and seal tightly.
To thaw, lay the bag on the counter and let the popcorn slowly warm up to room temperature. Make sure to consume the popcorn soon after thawing.
Does popcorn need an oxygen absorber for long term storage?
Yes, popcorn needs an oxygen absorber for long term storage. Oxygen absorbers are packaging materials that contain a chemical compound or metal powder embedded in a sachet or packet that absorbs oxygen.
They help to keep food safe from oxidation which can weaken flavors and cause discoloration or even go bad over time. Popcorn is especially prone to oxidation because its kernel has a large surface area, so oxygen can quickly penetrate and accelerate decomposition.
Oxygen absorbers are also beneficial in preventing infestations from mites, insects, and other pests. Using oxygen absorbers can extend the shelf life of popcorn up to a year or more. For best results, choose oxygen absorbers designed specifically for food storage and follow the manufacturer’s directions.
How long can popcorn be stored?
Popcorn can be stored for up to six months if it is kept in an airtight container and stored in a cool, dry location. If the popcorn is stored in a glass or metal canister or jar, it can be stored even longer.
For maximum freshness, it is best to only keep the amount of popcorn you plan to use in a short amount of time. Popcorn should not be exposed to humid or damp conditions, as this can lead to mold or spoilage.
In order to extend the shelf-life of popcorn, it is best to keep it in an airtight container, such as a sealed plastic bag or a vacuum-sealed container. Additionally, it is important to store popcorn in a dark place and away from sunlight.
If stored correctly, popcorn can remain edible for many months.
Can popcorn be vacuum sealed?
Yes, popcorn can be vacuum sealed. Vacuum sealing is a useful way to store food and keep it fresh for longer periods of time. It’s a great way to preserve popcorn and make sure it stays fresh despite temperature changes or other environmental factors that can lead to the popcorn going stale.
Vacuum sealing is done by removing all the air from inside the container, which prevents the food from coming in contact with air and potentially going bad. Additionally, vacuum sealing blocks out moisture and prevents oxidation, which are two of the main causes of food spoiling.
The process of vacuum sealing is relatively simple and can be done at home with a vacuum sealer. Vacuum sealing will keep the popcorn fresh for up to 12 months, if stored in optimal conditions, which includes keeping the sealed popcorn in a cool, dry place.
What should you not vacuum seal?
Unfortunately, there are some items that you should not vacuum seal. These items include:
1. Any food that contains liquid, such as raw vegetables, fruits, and cooked foods containing liquid. This is because when vacuum sealing the bag, the liquid can be forced out of the food and create a vacuum, which can cause the food to spoil.
2. Any food item that can be damaged by heat. Examples include cheese, nut butter, and some frozen fruits as these items can be destroyed by high vacuum pressure.
3. Flour, sugar, or grain-based items, as the fine particles can become spread throughout the vacuum-sealed bag, which can make it difficult to open the bag without creating a mess.
4. Newspapers, books, or any other items that can be affected by moisture should not be vacuum sealed, as the moisture can render these items unusable.
5. Any items that do not fit correctly into the vacuum seal bag. This is because the item can be damaged due to the operation of the vacuum sealer.
Overall, when considering to vacuum seal an item, it is important to take into account the items listed above, as vacuum sealing them could result in significant damage or spoilage.
Can you vacuum up popcorn kernels?
Yes, you can vacuum up popcorn kernels. Vacuuming is actually a great way to get rid of popcorn kernels, as well as other small pieces of debris that are too small to pick up with a hand broom. To vacuum up popcorn kernels, start with a small, handheld vacuum cleaner that has a crevice attachment.
This will allow you to suck up the popcorn kernels without having to worry about them flying all over the place. You’ll also want to vacuuming slowly, as the suction from the vacuum can easily pick up the small kernels.
If you’re having trouble getting all the popcorn kernels up, consider turning off the vacuum and shaking the area. This will help the leftover popcorn kernels pop up, making it easier to vacuum them all the way up.
Be sure to dispose of the vacuum contents immediately after vacuuming, as the kernels can easily cause clogs if not properly removed.
Does popcorn go bad?
Yes, popcorn can go bad if it isn’t stored properly. Properly stored popcorn can last for up to 6 months, but once the popcorn is opened, it should be consumed within a few days. If you store your popcorn in an airtight container, not only will it last longer, but it will also help keep it crunchy and fresh.
If the popcorn is left exposed to oxygen, it will become stale and unappetizing. Freezing popcorn is an option for long-term storage. You can store popcorn in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 year.
When ready for consumption, thaw the popcorn in the fridge overnight and enjoy it when it reaches room temperature. When unsure, it is a good idea to do a simple smell test to check if the popcorn is still fresh.
If you can detect any moldy or strange odors, it is best to throw the popcorn away.
Do you refrigerate popcorn kernels?
Yes, you can refrigerate popcorn kernels. This helps to keep them fresh, ensuring they pop well. It’s best to store popcorn kernels in an airtight container or sealed bag, such as a mason jar or zip-top bag.
Popcorn kernels have a fairly long shelf life of up to a year when stored in a cool, dry place. However, by refrigerating popcorn kernels, you can extend their lifespan to around 18 months. It’s important to note that popcorn kernels should never be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, as the moisture in the air can cause the kernels to become soggy and not pop properly.
As such, keep your kernels in open containers with the lid slightly ajar or in sealed bags that can be lightly re-sealed in the refrigerator.
How do you store fresh corn kernels long term?
Fresh corn kernels can be stored long-term in a variety of ways to preserve them and maximize their shelf life. One of the most popular methods is to freeze the corn. To freeze the corn, you should first blanch it by dropping it in boiling water for two to four minutes, cooling it in cold water, and draining it.
Once blanched, you can then package the kernels in airtight containers, freezer bags, or jars. Vacuum sealing the corn is another option to lock in flavor and maintain its freshness. To store the corn in the pantry, you could dehydrate it or can it.
If dehydrating the corn, you should blanch it for about 2 minutes and then slice off the kernels. Place the kernels on a vinyl or silicone lined tray or pan and put them in a food dehydrator. Once the kernels are dry enough that they crack when bent, they are ready to be stored.
For canning, make sure to pack the kernels into jars with a ¼ teaspoon of canning salt added to each pint jar. Process the filled jars in a boiling hot water bath for 25 minutes. Once processed, you can store them in a cool and dry place for up to 8 months.