How Much Popcorn Stays Unpopped?

Sold at movie theaters, carnivals and groceries in an assortment of varieties, it's no wonder that popcorn has become beloved by millions the world over. This relatively nutritious snack is not only enjoyable to eat but fun to make as well. The popping of popcorn is a mini science lesson in a bag or pot. Yet all too often, a certain number of popcorn kernels within a batch do not cooperate.

History

Popcorn has had a long and colorful history extending back thousands of years. Native American societies not only consumed it but also accorded it a spiritual significance. For instance, popcorn had a place within the religious ceremonies of the Aztecs, who also used it to decorate statues of their gods. Since its introduction to European settlers, popcorn has become a widely available, versatile and cheap snack food choice. No matter the time, people or purpose, within each and every batch of popcorn there must surely have been a few "old maids" or unpopped kernels.

Why Popcorn Pops

Each kernel of popcorn consists of three separate parts. The core of a popcorn kernel is a small drop of water. This water droplet is surrounded by a white starchy substance. The starch itself is surrounded by the outermost layer---the hard, yellowish hull, or shell. When heated by a stovetop, microwave or air popper, the water expands within the hull. This causes a build-up of pressure. If sufficient, the kernel explodes, releasing the starch from the hull. The moisture level within a kernel must be 15% in order to successfully pop. "Old maids" occur due to a lack of moisture within the core, preventing the necessary pressure build-up.

Occurrence of Old Maids

A recent study performed by Purdue University measured the occurrence of old maids. The results showed that the ratio of popped to unpopped popcorn depends on the brand. Cheaper brands yielded a higher old maid rate of 47%, while the pricier brands yielded a lower old maid rate of 4%.

Factors

The amount of old maids in any given bag of popcorn, then, depends on a variety of factors. The quality of the popcorn used is one---whether the structure of the kernel will allow for the sufficient build-up of pressure or not. Old maids are also more likely to occur when the popcorn has been stored in a drier place, causing the kernels to lose its moisture. Popcorn also tends to dry out as it ages.

Reduction

It may be worth it to purchase a higher quality brand of popcorn with a lower instance of old maids. Storing the popcorn in an air-tight container in a moist place will also reduce the number of unpopped kernels. It is also possible to rejuvenate old maids by placing them in a jar filled with a tablespoon of water. This can restore their moisture content.

References

• Mystery of Unpopped Popcorn is Discovered
• The History of Popcorn
• The Popcorn Board