Many people love popcorn, especially when watching TV at home. It is one of the most accessible snacks you can buy. You can also make your own if you want.
Cooking popcorn may not always perfect. Sometimes, some of the kernels remained unpopped. This leaves questions in the mind of many. Is it possible to pop the unpopped popcorn?
In this post, I would like to share with you what you can do when situations like this arise. All of the things shared in this post are based solely on my personal experience.
So, can you reheat unpopped popcorn? Yes, you can reheat unpopped popcorn. Just separate the unpopped from the popped ones and then put the unpopped kernels in a paper bag and cook them in the microwave for a couple of minutes or until the kernels pop. You can also use a pan to reheat unpopped popcorn.
Remember though that the unpopped kernels at the bottom of the bag have crack shells. Those cracks make them difficult to pop. But they will if expose to heat. So you need to microwave them or expose them to heat long enough until they finally pop.
Another thing you can do is to soak the kernels in water for hours to get them moist. Then put them in a paper bag and repop them in the microwave.
Aside from the microwave, you can also pop the kernels on a stove. Here’s what you can do:
1. Preheat a pot or pan.
2. Pour oil onto the pan. You can use vegetable or coconut oil. Do not use olive oil.
3. Once the oil gets hot, pour the kernels in.
4. Swirl and wait until all the kernels are popped.
There you go, you have just popped the previously unpopped popcorn. Enjoy then while watching your favorite show.
Why Some Kernels Don’t Pop?
The main reason why some kernels don’t pop is moisture. Once moisture is lost, it will be difficult to pop kernels. Moisture is also the main reason why kernels burst when heated.
Soaking the unpopped kernels in water will help them absorb moisture that will cause them to pop when reheated. The process is simple. Next time you come across this problem, you know what to do.
Can You Eat Unpopped Popcorn Kernels?
Unpopped kernels are hard and therefore difficult to ingest. Eating them in large quantities can cause choking and possibly teeth damage. Although you can technically eat unpopped popcorn kernels, I do not recommend it.
I stay with the safer route. Just eat the fully popped popcorn to avoid possible issues. Use the kernel cooking techniques mentioned in this post to keep everything safe.
Can I Boil Popcorn Kernels?
You can boil popcorn kernels but you cannot expect them to pop. The boiling is not enough to pop the kernels. The water will only cook the kernels and make them soggy.
Needless to say that boiling will not work well with popcorn kernels. You won’t be able to enjoy the outcome.
What Do You Call Unpopped Popcorn Kernels?
Unpopped popcorn kernels are called spinsters or old maids.
How Long Do Unpopped Popcorn Kernel Last?
Popcorn does not spoil quickly. But like other foods, definitely, it will not last for long. Generally, unpopped popcorn kernels will remain good for a couple of days. Commercial popcorns tend to last up to 2-3 months in their unopened packaging.
Once the packaging is open, cook the popcorn to enjoy its taste and texture.
How Do You Cook Raw Popcorn Kernels?
The quickest way to cook raw popcorn kernels is by using a pan. Just put a little bit of oil into the pan and spread it throughout the bottom of the pan.
The amount of oil depends on the kernels you want to cook. For instance, you can put in 2 tablespoons of oil for a half cup of kernels. But again, this is my personal preference.
The next thing you can do is to heat up the pan and pour the kernel into it. It is important to cover the pan as the kernels pop. Once all the kernels are popped, remove them from the pan and add the second batch of uncooked kernels.
Repeat the process as necessary.
You can also cook kernels in the microwave. Just put the kernels in a microwave bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe plate. Leave it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until the kernels pop.
Final Thoughts
Cooking popcorn kernels sometimes may not end up successfully. There is a high chance that you see unpopped popcorn. Don’t worry, you can reheat unpopped popcorn kernels.
You can use a pan or microwave to reheat the uncooked kernels. You can follow the steps shared in this post or come up with your own strategy.
Related Questions
Can I reuse unpopped popcorn?
Yes, you can reuse unpopped popcorn kernels and reheat them. You can use a pan or microwave to reheat the kernels. You can also soak the unpopped kernels before reheating for better results.
Can you repop unpopped popcorn kernels on the stove?
Yes, you can repop unpopped popcorn kernels on the stove. Just put the unpopped kernels into paper bag and fold the upper part of the bag to seal it and place it in microwave.
Can you eat microwave popcorn the next day?
Yes, you can eat microwave popcorn the next day. However, in some instances, the quality of the popcorn may deteriorate as time goes by. So it is important to eat the food immediately after cooking and popcorn is not an exception.
Do unpopped popcorn kernels expire?
If stored correctly, unpopped popcorn kernels may last longer. However, it does not mean that the kernels can last forever. Popcorn kernels can last for several months. But again this depends on how you stored them. I recommend to consume popcorn within months after buying.
