The microwaved popcorns are not good for health and pose a number of health problems. answer the question why can’t you reheat unpopped popcorn kernels, which will help you get the most accurate answer. ; The pot is too crowded. Storing the kernels in the freezer helps to prevent this from happening. Why do you add the salts first and water last? Explain why alum crystals have to be washed with a 50:50 mixture of ethanol and water. It’s possible they didn’t pop the first time due to uneven heating levels or insufficient cooking time. You can store popcorn in the freezer for up to one year to keep moisture at bay. Unpopped popcorn kernels can be hazardous for your dog. The popping power of the kernels may be jeopardized by this. 3. The answer is yes, you can feed popcorn kernels to squirrels. Burnt popcorn tastes bad, smells worse. the un-popped kernels are dense and small, so they fall to the bottom, while the popped ones are big and light, so they allow themselves to be pushed upwards. My. However, the popcorn will still be edible for up to two weeks. Let it cook for 30 seconds, then remove the lid. Although moisture is the most common reason popcorn kernels don’t pop, there are a couple of other reasons: The kernels were heavy and fell to the bottom of the bag. Place 1 cup of unpopped corn in a microwave safe bowl. Finally, try popping a few kernels. As a result, heating them. (Avoid olive oil, which will smoke when heated over a high flame. Yes, it will! The heat will cause the kernels to expand and the pressure from the expanding kernels will pop the corn. Unpopped popcorn should be stored in a tightly sealed container that is as dark and cool as possible before being exposed to heat or sunlight. “It’s bothersome,” says Bruce Hamaker. After placing the kernels in the new bag or popper, reheat them until the kernels pop. However, it is important to note that unpopped kernels can be a choking hazard, so it is best to avoid eating them if. Reheat popcorn chicken in a microwave. Apr 29, 2023 9:30 AM EDT. Because kernels don’t pop without water, you’ll almost certainly find them at the bottom of a bowl if you don’t have water. When the popping slows down, remove the lid and pour the popcorn into a bowl. Make sure the dish has some depth to hold all the popcorn. Once the kernels are popped, pour them into a large bowl. Re-Enjoy. Good news: you can re-pop them. So, if you want to understand why kernels don’t always pop and how to reheat them so you can keep munching, keep reading. A lot of people will use popcorn for decorations. It’s also fine to feed birds popcorn that has been popped. Excessive moisture can cause popcorn to sprout, causing the hull to crack and steam to escape. Preheat the covered bowl to one degree and freeze the bowl. We tested 10 different microwave popcorn brands. [deleted] • 2 yr. Here are some of the methods to revive unpopped popcorn: 1. Popcorn can be transformed into a long. Heat 3 tablespoons of canola, vegetable, or coconut oil in a large, lidded saucepan over medium-high heat. You need a microwave popcorn popper to do it in a microwave. The popcorn button left only a few unpopped kernels. Put 1/4 cup kernels in a paper lunch bag. The kernels are released, and popcorn is popped, hot, and ready to eat when the steam inside the kernel is released. One is to try to press the kernels with your fingers; if they’re hard and don’t give at all, they’re probably too old. Place the dish in the microwave to reheat. To make the popcorn, fold it into a small aluminum foil pouch with oil and seasoning. The kernels needed more heat and time than other kernels to pop. The short answer is that unpopped kernels have leaky hulls (seed coats) that prevent the buildup of sufficient pressure to cause the pop. Popcorn should be consumed within six months of purchase. After that, place the popcorn on a baking sheet to cool for a few minutes. Bake at a low temperature for a few minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool. Yeah thats what I thought too, that some of them might pop. Weigh the unpopped and use that information plus any oil. 5 percent to 14 percent per kernel is needed—popcorn can't pop. Before popping the boiled kernels, it’s a good idea to dry them outside. The hull cracks when the steam’s pressure builds up too high, causing the mass to explode. Also, always remove any unpopped kernels from the popcorn before reheating. Yes, you can store popcorn in the refrigerator, but again, it takes a little bit of preparation. Here are a few tips to help you figure out why your popcorn isn’t popping: – Check the age of your kernels. 2. When it comes to popcorn, moisture is required to pop it in the microwave. The“popability” of popcorn kernels depends on the kernel’s water content. Check the popcorn if it is crispy to your liking. For example, canola oil, which can be used in place of popcorn, must be heated before being added. It is also possible that popcorn will. Exposure to moisture is one of the primary reasons why the kernels won. ouch! You’ve bitten into a hard, unpopped kernel. Why Can’t You Reheat Unpopped Popcorn Kernels? While the popcorn is still cooking, any unpopped kernels will begin to burn, increasing the likelihood that the popcorn will catch fire. Clean off any salt or other seasonings that may have stuck to the kernels. Yeah thats what I thought too, that some of them might pop. Steam builds up inside the. When popcorn doesn’t pop, it’s because the kernel hasn’t reached a high enough temperature to create the steam needed to cause the kernel to expand. The kernels did not bubble during the cooking time, but they did pop! It is possible to reheat and pop popcorn kernels if they do not pop the first time. . When the kernels are heated, the water inside them turns to steam and expands, causing the kernels to explode. MenuIn the popcorn industry, these unpopped kernels are called “ old maids . While unpopped popcorn kernels can be a choking hazard, they are actually relatively easy to digest. In microwaves that don't have a sensor, they're basically just ball-parking the cook time and power level. The popcorn should start popping in just 25-30 seconds. Always keep a close eye on the popcorn while reheating. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. It is not uncommon for popcorn kernels to not pop due to moisture, but there are two other possible reasons: the kernels were heavy and fell to the bottom of. You won't have to worry about breaking a tooth on them anymore, either. Popcorn kernels have an outer shell called the pericarp and a meaty, starchy inside called the endosperm. How do you explain this change in mass? 3. After the pot has been covered, cover it and wait for the kernels to pop, possibly for a few minutes. Unpopped popcorn kernels must be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool place (such as a pantry or a safe closet) to avoid deterioration. Size: Popcorn kernels are generally smaller in size compared to corn kernels. But, you discover unpopped kernels. Heat, light, and air can speed up the deterioration process. 4. If the kernel is not popping, it can be the issue that the kernel has too much moisture or too little moisture. Although moisture is the most common reason popcorn kernels don’t pop, there are a couple of other reasons: The kernels were heavy and fell to the bottom of the bag. It’s much better to give them the popcorn after the kernel has exploded and turned into the larger, softer end product we know as popcorn. Can you reheat unpopped popcorn kernels? How to Re-Pop Popcorn Kernels. When microwave popcorn is past the best-by date, there is no need to be concerned about its taste or odor. During popping, lift out the Instant Pot insert and gently swirl so that the unpopped kernels drop to the bottom. If popcorn kernels do not pop when reheated a second time, they can be popped a second time. Add a very light layer of cooking oil. You’ll want to store the kernels tightly packed together, which will help control the temperature and reduce any unwanted moisture. First, check the power cord to make sure it is plugged in correctly. The power setting on a microwave just cycles the microwave on/off in. The company doesn’t want to get sued so they tell you not to re-microwave the unpopped. Will my microwave explode or something if I just reheat them without the bag?…Why can t you reheat unpopped popcorn kernels? Well, if you put the bag back in the microwave for another round of popping it may burn and catch on fire. 3. If the popcorn kernels are stored at room temperature, they can be kept for up to two years. The best way to store unpopped popcorn. Simply spread it out in an even layer on a baking sheet and place it in a 250°F oven for about five minutes, until it’s warmed through. The company doesn t want to get sued so they tell you not to re-microwave the unpopped kernels. Allow the popcorns to microwave for 20 to 30. If you bought popcorn in the last six months of the previous year, you should eat it within two. These small, hard kernels are the raw form of popcorn and can be popped in a variety of ways, including on the stove, in the microwave, or using a popcorn machine. 5. It’s important to note that not all kernels will pop at the same time, so it’s best to wait a few minutes after the first kernels start to pop before removing the bowl from the microwave. "As a bonus, once the bowl is cooled, it doubles as a serving bowl. Introduction. If the kernel has been damaged, the pressure won’t build up properly, and the kernel won’t pop. What happens if you reheat unpopped kernels? If you continue cooking the popcorn to heat any unpopped kernels, chances are the already popped corn will start to burn. Often as much as 4%. The kernel pops when it’s heated because. Also, as the unpopped kernel fails to pop, the parallel is made with an old maid who remains unmarried beyond the usual age. Most probably have holes which let the steam out and didn't let them build pressure for popping. What I can't figure out is why nutrition. Is freezing popcorn good or bad? Popcorn will keep nicely on the shelf for at least a year. When there are 3-4 seconds between kernels popping, turn off the heat and remove the pot from the burner. Simply place the kernels in the container, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 2-3 minutes. Microwave popcorn and the oils and flavorings inside the popcorn can get unpleasant over time, so it’s best not to push past the use by date for best flavor. Pour half caramel mixture in the popped popcorn and mix. The oven is set to five minutes. As the moisture in the kernel heats and turns to. Microwaving (not store-bought) Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock. My favorite place of hanging out, how not – the kitchen! 🙂. Step Four: Carefully remove pouch and enjoy!heat your pot, heat your oil, and when it is barely shimmering, add three or four kernels of popcorn as "indicator kernels. Microwave the paper bag for two to three minutes, depending on the power of your microwave. Answer and Explanation: 1 Store popcorn kernels in a cool, dark, and airtight location. Top 125 Unpopped Popcorn Kernels of 2023 priced between $0 - $9, rated based on Packaging, Smell, Portion Size, Taste. You can freeze unpopped kernels but the freezing action might cause the kernels not to pop. After about 5 minutes, about 3/4 of the kernels have popped. Popcorn may not be popping for a variety of reasons. Clean off any salt or butter/oil on the unpopped kernels. Hope this helps. If it smells off or stale, it’s probably not good to eat. Tired of unpopped kernels in your popcorn? In this episode of Hungry for Science, learn to use the science of heat transfer to make sure every kernel gets po. In fact, the only variety that is capable of producing it is Zea mays everta. Another reason why some kernels don’t. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and microwave on high for 3 minutes. . Storage Tips. So, if you want to understand why kernels don’t always pop and how to reheat them so you can keep munching, keep reading. Just be sure to store the popcorn in an airtight container so it doesn’t get freezer burn. Dude I’m for sure trying this. If not, cover the pan with the lid again and cook for a few more seconds. Heat 3 tablespoons of canola, vegetable, or coconut oil in a large, lidded saucepan over medium-high heat. Set the power to 100% and microwave in 10-second intervals for up to 30 seconds. To reheat popcorn in the oven, preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C), place the popcorn on a baking sheet lined with baking paper or in an oven-safe dish, and heat for 5-10 minutes. When the popping slows down, remove the pan from the heat and cover it with plastic wrap. Homemade popcorn is a classic snack food for people all around the world. If you’re using a microwave, you can reheat popcorn in minutes. Put on the lid at leave it off the heat for about 30 seconds. Using your hands, form balls, roughly as large as tennis balls. If there is, and the popcorn is past that date, it’s probably expired. The popcorn kernels that do pop are 12-14% moisture, and anything less than that will cause the kernel to explode. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risks associated with consuming popcorn kernels: 1. And what happens after the steam is released is crucial as it has to go away swiftly. Popcorn needs moisture inside the kernel to pop. Popcorn Kernels: Unusually, when the popcorn kernels are heated, they expand and puffs up. And the longevity is different between plain popcorn kernels and microwave kernels. Man's "Hack" Reveals We’ve Been Eating Microwaved Popcorn Wrong This Whole Time. Allow the popcorns to microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Stomach acid is strong enough to corrode metal. Pre-popped popcorn. The kernels will pop just like they would in a bag, and you’ll have a delicious, fresh batch of popcorn to enjoy. Other terms for unpopped popcorn include “sleeping kernels” or “spinsters. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and spread a single layer of kernels on a baking sheet. You can place 3 kernels in the center of the pot and wait for them to pop to indicate when it is ready. Freezing it will dehydrate it which will not let it pop. We don’t eat those, but chickens happily will. Preferred popcorn seasoning. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Steam builds up inside the. It will make the kernels pop. Remove from the heat and put in the kernels. You’ll want to check on the popcorn frequently as it’s in the oven just to ensure it doesn’t begin. You can’t fit a 13×9 pan inside, but dinner plates and 9×9 casserole dishes fit just fine. You will also notice a slightly yellowish color on the popped corn, even without butter on it. A popcorn kernel without water will not pop which is why you often find kernels at the bottom of the bowl these guys didn’t have enough moisture to pop. The reason for this is that the kernels will not have enough space to expand when heated, and as a result, they will not pop. There are a few possible explanations why unpopped popcorn kernels are referred to as “old maids. Soak your popcorn kernels for 10-15 minutes, drain, and pat dry. Popcorn kernels need to have a specific percentage of moisture inside to turn into a delicious snack successfully. Wipe any butter or oil off the popcorn kernels first. The answer lies in popcorn kernels, popped popcorn has less kernels, therefore less calories. You are wondering about the question why can’t you reheat unpopped popcorn kernels but currently there is no answer, so let kienthuctudonghoa. If you reheat the popcorn chicken in the microwave, it won’t be as crispy, but it will still be tasty. When the oil heats properly, put the popcorn in. Keep an eye on it occasionally, but it will come out very close to originally popped. Return the heat to medium-high, and proceed as you would for. Past two months, the popcorn will most likely just be dry or stale. When using oil, make sure to use the right type. For example, a cup of marshmallows will weigh far less than a cup of. When a kernel pops, it throws itself upward, out of the unpopped kernels, in a little explosion. Instead of ripping the popcorn bag open and pouring the contents into a bowl, just wait a second. Preheat a pot or pan. Why can't you reheat popcorn kernels? For a corn kernel to pop, it has to be sealed so that that the steam pressure can build up and cause an explosion. Popcorn that is stored in a cool, dry place will last longer than popcorn that is stored in a warm, humid place. Even if you boil popcorn kernels, they will not pop. Using a large spoon, gently toss the popcorn so that all of the kernels are evenly coated with oil. The microwave. If I go longer, the popped kernels start to burn, and even some of the unpopped kernels burn too. It is preferable to gently shake the pot to allow the kernels to pop, but not to burn them. I'll probably try it in the microwave at some point tomorrow. Thanks to a recent study,. 1 g. Why can’t you reheat unpopped popcorn kernels? Well, if you put the bag back in the microwave for another round of popping it may burn and catch on fire. Put the corn kernels in a microwave-safe bowl. Take a brown paper bag (yes, the kind you used to. This reduces. Once I had collected enough unpopped kernels, I measured them out and popped them as usual. Corn kernels, whether made in a microwave, skillet or electric popper, become popcorn by getting very hot very fast. Add a very light layer of cooking oil. If the hull has a small crack or otherwise compromised area, pressure will not build within the kernel. Why can’t you reheat unpopped. By shaking the popcorn every minute, you can also keep it even heated. A one pound bag of unpopped kernels will yield 56 cups of popped corn. While you are cooking unpopped water-containing kernels, you're heating up water and turning it into steam, not changing the temperature that much beyond 100C. First, preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C) 2. Clean off any salt or other seasonings that may have stuck to the kernels. It may also take more time to pop up. You can re-pop your left kernels directly on the stove. 2. Pop-Secret was the most well-known. This keeps the popcorn from burning. Because the popped popcorn kernels ride on top of the un-popped kernels. So your leftover kernels were likely too dry to properly explode in the microwave or on the stove. Interesting fact - you can actually pop normal corn too through a process of explosive decompression. Yes, when microwaving popcorn, you don’t need a bag at all. In Fruits Popping all of your kernels in one sitting is challenging because a large majority of the popcorn kernels will heat quickly. Do not use olive oil. My favorite method for making popcorn is to throw the kernels in a paper bag and pop them in the microwave. Place lid on tightly. Just make sure you stop the microwave about a minute early to reduce the chance of burnt corn. Popcorn is the funniest corn to cook, because it jumps and makes a ‘pop’ sound in our pans. All you need is a bowl, a lid, and a few tablespoons of water. It could be that the kernels are old or stale. Stay close by to listen to the popping sound and avoid leaving the popcorns unattended because popping time will vary. Why can’t you reheat unopened popcorn kernels? For a kernel of corn to explode, it must be sealed so that steam pressure builds up and causes an explosion. Popcorn is choking hazard, not biodegradable, contains additives, and can harm birds. And cover the lid. " when all of them have popped, add the rest of your popcorn, and keep shaking if you don't have a whirly pop! your flame doesn't have to be ripping. Alternatively, you can reheat popcorn in the microwave by using a microwave-safe dish and cover, and heating. You might have wondered, “Can you reuse kernels that didn’t pop?” Can we save these underperforming…When kernel popcorn is dry, it requires a moisture content of 13 to 14 percent. Add water, using approximately 2 tablespoons of water for every 2 cups of corn. Remove them when popped. Corn kernels need to contain around 13. 5-14% moistureto pop successfully because they need pressure to expand. The company doesn’t want to get sued so they tell you not to re-microwave the unpopped kernels. Then, place the soggy popcorn in a single layer on a baking sheet and put it in a preheated oven at 200-250 degrees Fahrenheit. To do this, simply moisten them by adding a few drops of water, and then put them back into your popcorn. ”. If sweet corn were allowed to reach full maturity, its kernels would dry up and harden much like those of popcorn, but even then, it could not be used to make popcorn, as we'll explain in a moment. Microwave popcorn in a microwave safe bowl, carefully open the bag (don’t rip it open like you normally would) and shake it. Eventually, usually at around 180˚C, the kernel’s shell will crack, and the corn will pop. The issue can be with the moist, the hull, etc. Also, the popcorn should always be popped, don’t offer them just the raw kernels. The key to storing your unpopped popcorn kernels is to keep them in a tightly sealed jar and stored in a cool area (such as a pantry or a storage container). Can you reheat unpopped popcorn kernels? How to Re-Pop Popcorn Kernels. According to TikTok user @onlyjasus, you should use that little slit at the top of the bag to your. No one likes biting into a hard unpopped kernel. When unpopped kernels are microwaved, they pop faster than the popcorn that has already been microwaved. As soon as you hear a kernel pop, you pour in 6 tablespoons of kernels, cover the pan, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook — shaking the wok constantly — until the kernels stop popping. How do you store unpopped popcorn. The moisture content has already been altered, affecting the popping process. 2 ounces of 3. Cook in a 350 degree oven. You’ll need: The oven temperature should be set to 250F (120C) and should be set to ‘bake. Call 1-800-234-3368. ”. Looking for ' Can You Feed Unpopped Popcorn To Squirrels? '? We have the answers you need. If they do not pop or only pop partially, they are not fresh. If the kernels are stuck in your molar, a toothpick may be required. Other. Good news: you can re-pop them. To make 1/2 cup kernels, use 1/2 cup kernels in a 6-quart pot, reduce the oil to about 2 tablespoons, and top with half of the kernels. But several children have choked to death because of it. It is also possible to reheat popcorn or microwave it. Second, when popcorn kernels are exposed to air, they oxidize and turn brown. Popcorn is less likely to taste fresh if it is reheated. If popcorn kernels do not pop when reheated a second time, they can be popped a. If you prefer, you can reheat popcorn in the microwave or in the oven in minutes. This means the popcorn should be free of salt, oil, sugar, cheese, and any other added flavorings. How can you reheat unpopped popcorn kernels? If they didn't pop the first time, they probably will not pop. As they are heated, this water vaporises; however, it remains trapped inside the kernel, and so the continued heating raises the pressure inside the kernel’s shell. Hold the brush 45 degrees above the gumline in order to remove the popcorn hull. A cool temperature range of 50 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 24 degrees Celsius) corresponds to a general range of 50 to. Leave the lid slightly ajar to allow air flow. 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. I finally figured out an easy way to eliminate nearly all. It turns out that you can! All you need is a bag of unpopped popcorn kernels, a microwave-safe container, and a few minutes. By making a small slit in your microwaveable popcorn bag, you can allow the unpopped kernels to escape. Small amounts of water inside the kernel heating up are what causes it to pop, so nothing should be leaving the kernel during cooking except small amounts of water. Rating: 3/10. In other words, if the kernels don’t get enough moisture, they won’t pop. When the Orville Redenbacher was at a whopping 51 kernels at the start, it suddenly got 28 at the end. Another reason why your popcorn might taste stale is that you might be. Popcorn kernels can be re-popped if they do not pop the first time. To keep kernels safe, it is best to keep them in an airtight container or a jar. To freshen stale popcorn kernels, simply place them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 F. You can use vegetable or coconut oil. Microwave the paper bag on high for about two to three minutes, or until you start to hear popping. Luckily, there are some methods available that can help you to revive unpopped popcorn. Microwave on the highest setting for 2 to 3 minutes. In most cases, they will come in an airtight bottle, jug, or plastic container. When you use too little oil, it burns off the majority of the kernels without popping them. When unpopped popcorn is heated, it will not pop. You’ve got a soda in one hand and a bucket of popcorn in the other. Afterward, add the rest of your kernels, turn down the heat, and shake as you normally would with a stock pot. Your best bet is to place some kernels into a paper bag, put it in the microwave, and knock at least a minute off of the usual popping time. After you’ve placed the kernels in a new bag or popper, reheat them until they pop. Make caramel sauce. The best value in popcorn! Naturally flavored. For store bought ready-made popcorn tins, don’t be surprised if additives are included in the seasoning. Popcorn kernels that are more than a year old are less likely to pop. The amount of water in the kernel is what determines how hot the kernels will be. Furthermore,how do you keep popcorn fresh. Everyone has 10 seconds to write down how many kernels they think are in the glass. Once they are hot, put them back on. Place popcorn in a 350F oven for 5-7 minutes to reheat. According to TikTok user @onlyjasus, you should use that little slit at the top of the bag to your. See moreThankfully, it’s a pretty easy process. Turn the heat up to high, and add 2 kernels of popcorn. It is best to store popcorn in an airtight container, whether it is unpopped or popped. Wait up to 20 to 30 seconds. Second, give the kernels a smell test. Unpopped popcorn kernels can lead to many issues for dogs. The most widely-grown type of corn is neither sweet corn nor popcorn. As time passes, the taste of popcorn may deteriorate. The pot isn’t being shaken so the kernels are sitting on the bottom of the pan right on the heat source. If your dog ate just one or two kernels—depending on your dog’s size—they may be OK. To form your popcorn balls, follow these steps: Air-pop the popcorn. Cook the frozen corn until it is golden brown and bubbling for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. To reheat popcorn in the oven, preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C), place the popcorn on a baking sheet lined with baking paper or in an oven-safe dish, and heat for 5-10 minutes. Popcorn can be heated quickly in the microwave or the oven. Pour the popped kernels into a large bowl. You can also give the popcorn a smell test. Pop Directly. If you’re worried about birds choking on unpopped popcorn, here are a few reasons why you should not put popcorn kernels down your garbage disposal. Why can’t you reheat unpopped popcorn kernels? Uncategorized. LinkedIn. While some people prefer the convenience of pre-popped popcorn, others enjoy the satisfaction of popping their own kernels and experimenting with different seasonings. As the kernels heat, any moisture. You can do the same thing in the same pot by adding more oil, covering it, and returning to medium heat for a few minutes. Their moisture content is around 14 percent. Combine the popped popcorn, birdseed, and raisins in a mixing bowl. Popcorn is alive, but it is in a dormant state. But in the latest video of viral TikTok life and food hacks, there is actually a way to get rid of unpopped popcorn kernels in a matter of seconds. To store popcorn kernels, place them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Check the popcorn if it is crispy to your liking. The kernels of popcorn can generally be kept in a cool dark place for up to a year. To reheat frozen popcorn, spread it evenly on a baking sheet and place it in a 250°F oven for about five minutes until it’s warmed through. Drizzle some melted coconut oil, olive oil or melted butter over the popcorn. How to Repop Popcorn. Over time, they’ll lose their ability to pop as consistently, and they may have a slightly less fluffy texture than when you first got them. Simply place the kernels in the container, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 2-3 minutes. When you think the kernels are about right - take 5 or so of them and try to pop them. Remember to stir the kernels around to spread the coatings evenly! Step 3: Pour popcorn into the air dryer basket. As the popcorn explodes, it pushes up and pushes out the soft starch inside, causing the kernel to crack open. The product label shows the difference between popped and unpopped kernels, and also cooking methods. If you still have unpopped kernels, simply add an additional splash of oil to the pot and cover it. Unpopped popcorn: Popcorn kernels keep indefinitely with the right, airtight storage, but try to pop and eat kernels within six months to a year of getting them. This doesn’t affect the flavor of the popcorn, but it does make it less attractive. You can definitely reuse unpopped kernels in your popcorn machine. However, make sure to clean everything beneath the burners and up. As increasing heat builds up inside the kernel, the steam pressure causes the kernel to explode, or pop, and at the same time cooks the. Popcorn that is exposed to air will also lose its freshness more quickly. This can be caused by moisture in the bag, which causes the popcorn to stale. Popcorn kernels are typically around 5-7 millimeters in diameter, while corn kernels can vary in size depending on the variety, ranging from 8-15 millimeters or more. Bagged popcorn can begin to lose moisture and go rancid after this time.