popcorn

Popcorn

/ Gretta / Leave a comment

Here are directions from Rob at Riverland about how to pop Riverland’s popcorn.

The popcorn you get in your share has just been picked from the field. The kernels will still need time to dry (At least 3 weeks in warm non-humid environment) before they are ready to pop. You may want to test pop the corn after 3 weeks to see if it pops well. If it does, it is dry enough and ready to pop. The husk has been peeled back to allow the corn to dry. Just hang or store your bouquet in a dry place. In approximately 3-4 weeks get your pan warmed up and toss in a couple kernels. If they pop fully then the rest are ready to pop and eat. If the kernels only half pop let the corn dry a little longer. It is worth the wait.

We have had the best success popping the corn on the stovetop. Some have tried in the microwave. I have yet to find any good tips on popping right off the cob. If anyone has a trick let us know we will put it up on our website!

* 1 ear of pop corn
* 1 tsp olive or vegetable oil (per 1 cup)

Using your hands work the kernels of popcorn off the cob. Start from the tip of the ear of corn and work toward the base. Place the kernels in a 5-6 quart sauce pot (with lid with just enough oil to cover the kernels. Heat corn and oil on medium high heat. After about 3-5 minutes the kernels will begin to pop. Once you hear that the popping has slowed and almost stopped remove from heat and put into bowl and season to taste.

How do you pop corn?

/ Gretta / 1 Comment

Chris at Vanguarden CSA supplies the winter share with popcorn bouquets. Popcorn on the cob is new to many folks and I get lots of questions about how to cook it.

Unshelled popcorn should be stored at temperatures near 32F and high relative humidity. Once or twice a week, shell a few kernels and try popping them, either in an air popper or on top of your stove using a little oil and a pan with a lid. When the test kernels are popping well and tasting good, shell and store the rest of the kernels. Store the kernels in sealed, airtight containers. If stored popcorn fails to pop, it may be too dry. Add 1 tablespoon of water to a quart of popcorn. Cover and shake at frequent intervals until the popcorn has absorbed the water. After 3 or 4 days, test pop a few kernels to see if it is ready.

Several people have told me they put the entire cob in a paper bag and put it in the microwave. I think you might want to test a kernel or two before throwing the whole cob into the microwave.

I’d love to hear how you pop your CSA popcorn.