How to Get Popcorn Seeds

Popcorn is a tasty treat made from corn kernels.

Popcorn is a tasty treat made from the seeds of corn. When a popcorn kernel is heated, the water inside the kernel evaporates into steam. The steam pressurizes the inside of the kernel until the kernel explodes, making popcorn. With the availability of corn in America, getting popcorn seeds is pretty simple.

Instructions

1. Purchase popcorn kernels from your local farmer's market. Organic supermarkets, like Whole Foods and Fresh Direct, also offer popcorn kernels for sale.

2. Purchase popcorn kernels from online retail stores, such as Amish Country Popcorn, Crown Jewel Gourmet and Amazon.

3. Grow a supply of popcorn seeds in your backyard. Popcorn is a summer crop and seeds must be planted around the middle of May. Water your soil regularly to keep the soil moist. Apply fertilizer at least once a month. Allow your popcorn stalks to mature over a 3-month period. After 3 months, reduce your watering to once a week to dry the popcorn stalks. Once the popcorn husks have dried, pick the popcorn ears and you will have a large supply of popcorn seeds.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make popcorn without removing the popcorn kernels from the cob. Simply put the entire popcorn ear into a bag and place the bag into the microwave. The corn kernels will pop right off the cob.

References

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration; What Makes Popcorn Pop?; July 5, 2003
• Purdue University; Popcorn; P.R. Carter, et al.
• Mother Earth News; Homegrown Popcorn; Gail Damerow; 1993
• Prairieland Community Supported Agriculture; Week 26 Newsletter; October 25, 2006

Resources

• Amish Country Popcorn
• Crown Jewel Gourmet