How to Pop an Ear of Popcorn

Make a bowl of popcorn right from the cob.

Popcorn is a movie treat that we have come to enjoy at home. Using corn that has been specially grown and dried for popping on the cob, you can enjoy a family activity while preparing a healthy snack. Add your own seasonings and toppings to create your family's favorite popcorn treats. You will find a variety of popping corn on the cob in gourmet food stores and on-line, including yellow, white and red corn.

Things You'll Need

• Popping corn on the cob
• Microwave
• Paper lunch bag
• Salt (optional)
• Melted butter (optional)

Instructions

1. Place one whole ear of popping corn in a paper lunch bag.

2. Roll or fold the top of the bag over to close. If left open, the popped corn may scatter throughout the microwave oven.

3. Set your microwave on the popcorn setting or set to cook on high for 2-1/2 minutes.

4. After about 2 minutes, listen for the popping to slow down. When there are more than a few seconds between pops, stop the microwave.

5. Open the paper bag carefully and pour the popped corn on the cob into a bowl.

6. Add salt and melted butter, if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• For best results, use only corn on the cob that has been prepared for use as popping corn.

• The steam coming from the bag of popped corn will be hot. Proceed carefully when opening and pouring popped corn out.

References

• East Bay Regional Park District: Ardenwood Historic Farm: Popcorn Popping Instructions
• Mother Earth News: Homegrown Popcorn; Gail Damerow; 1993