Popcorn: Everything You Need To Know
On September - 21 - 2011
46 Comments
Most popcorn aficionados have probably visited epopcorn.com, a site that offers everything you will ever need to make great tasting movie theater style popcorn right in your own home. However, loving popcorn takes more than eating them frequently. There are a lot of things that you will surely be thrilled to learn about “corn that pops”. Read on to find out.
The First Popcorn
Do you ever wonder when the first popcorn was made and eaten? Native Americans have been popping corn as early as 3600 B.C. based on some popcorn evidence found in New Mexico. Popcorn was an important food for the Native Americans but it was also used for decoration such as in headdresses, necklaces, ornaments, and garlands, among others. Over the years, the affordability of pop corn has made it constantly popular as a snack.
The Popping Process
Making popcorn can be very interesting not just for little children but even for adults. The corn pops because the kernels have a hard moisture-sealed hull and a dense starchy interior which allows pressure to build inside the kernel when being subjected to heat from oil and water. Once the kernel ruptures and pops from extreme internal pressure, the starchy interior expands and becomes foamy, cooling into the familiar crispy puff. A popcorn kernel actually has approximately 12% moisture inside of it. As you heat up the kernel the moisture turns into steam and expands. Once the kernel reaches 475 degrees Fahrenheit the expanding steam forces the hull to explode (or pop).
You can follow these easy steps though:
1.) Turn on both switches Lamp/Warming Deck and Kettle switches.2) Allow the kettle to heat for 3-5 minutes.
3.) Open the Lid of the Kettle
4.) Add oil to the kettle – measured
5.) Add Seasonings – measured
6.) Add corn – measured
7.) Close the Lid of the Kettle
8.) Keep front door slightly open to prevent fogging
9) Allow popcorn to pop until app. 3-4 seconds lapses between pops.
10) Rotate the handle of the kettle and tilt the kettle down to empty
11) Turn the Kettle switch OFF. You may leave the Lamp/Warming deck power on if you want.
Using Popcorn Machines
Many years ago, popping corn was often done by putting the kernels along with a little oil inside a stovetop kettle and heating it. However, this can inefficient popping, leaving you with some un-popped kernels along with a few burnt ones.
Over the years, popcorn machines have been developed to make popcorn making easier and faster. From compact home popcorn machines to larger-sized commercial ones, most of them come with a wide range of features that will entice you to get one. Among the common features that come with these popcorn machines are aluminum kettles, tempered glass panels, stainless steel cleanout trays, warming lights, and many more.
Different Popcorn Kernels
Making your own popcorn is made even more fun with the various popcorn kernels that are now available in the supermarkets and come in many different flavors. Below is a quick guide on buying popcorn kernels.
· Popcorn Flavors. This is one of the first things that many people decide on when buying popcorn kernels. You can go for the healthier unflavored ones or you can try the many different flavors that you will be able to find. Among the popular flavors are butter, cheese, caramel, chocolate, and many more, including combinations of different flavors.
· Popcorn Kernels. If you are an avid popcorn eater, you would have noticed that popcorn often comes in two basic shapes – those that appear to have ridges and wings and those that are shaped like a ball. Popcorn kernels that look like they have ridges and wings are called butterfly kernels while those that look like balls are called mushroom kernels.
· Popcorn Expansion Rate. The amount of popcorn that your popcorn kernels can yield is called its popcorn expansion rate. When it comes to this figure, the higher, the better.
With all the popcorn-related products like popcorn machines, popcorn supplies, and popcorn kernels that you can get from epopcorn.com, you can easily make the best popcorn in your own home.
My family is big on watching movies and one of our home projects is to be able to complete our family room. Watching movies with popcorn is a tradition for the kids and investing on a popcorn machine would benefit my family greatly in the long run! Thanks for the recommendation.
I never knew that popcorn “popped” the traditional way is healthier than buying those instant popcorn that can be popped in the microwave. I will consider buying a popcorn machine since it is a good investment especially since they are great snacks for parties and get togethers.
I love popcorn! The cheese flavor is a favorite of mine and I never fail to order it whenever I go to the movie theater to watch a movie. Sometimes the cravings hit and not even the microwavable kind comes close to popped popcorn from a popcorn machine. It also doesn’t get stale that easily. I might get one!
Thank you sharing some tidbit on the history of popcorn. I also didn’t know there were different kinds of popcorn machines. I have long wanted one for my home but cannot justify getting a commercial one. With the home popcorn machine you mentioned, it would be worth buying now.
One should never underestimate how healthy a popcorn snack is. If you don’t put on oil and salt, it can be calorie-free! Naturally popped popcorn is even better – so investing on a popcorn machine is worth it!
I have been thinking of what small business to offer in a school area near our home. Seeing those commercial popcorn machines gave me an idea. Popcorn is always a hit with kids! And they can be very affordable too! I am so glad to have stumbled upon this review.
I am an event planer and a client requested a movie-themed birthday party complete with real popcorn machines. Thank you for the review, I know where to get machines from.
I love caramel popcorn and while I do have my favorite brands, I have to confess that nothing beats the popped ones you buy from a movie theater. Now I can get my fix right at home with those machines you posted. Thanks!
Thank you for giving me the features a popcorn machine has. I am thinking of giving my sister a housewarming present and this popcorn machine would be a great addition to their family room.
The movie-reeled theme of the popcorn machine you posted was the perfect choice to donate for a school. We are going to be donating one to a school cafeteria, supporting their mission to serve healthy snacks.
We received a popcorn machine as a wedding present and I have not touched it as I don’t know how to operate it for the longest time (I misplaced the operating manual). Thank you to your instructions, I can finally give this a try.
Thanks for your review. I have always been interested on how popcorn pops and your review and history gave me very valuable information.
I miss popcorn. Living overseas with limited facilities make me homesick. Maybe I should ask my parents to send those home popcorn machines you mentioned. Thanks!
I have always wanted to buy a popcorn machine but don’t have a huge car to transport it back to my home. Thank you for referring epopcorn.com. I now know where to order.
Thanks for the great review – valuable information for those who love popcorn.