Is there something wrong with the corn kernels that don't pop?
Usually, at the end of a bag of popcorn, or when you pop your own on the stove, there is a certain number of kernels left unpopped. Why is that?
Is there something that changes in the kernels that makes them different from the others or are they the same, but the heat isn't distributed to them well enough?
Is there any way to make more of the kernels pop without burning the ones that popped first?
Best Answer
Popcorn kernels pop because moisture is trapped inside of a relatively gas-tight shell. As the kernels are heated, the water inside the kernel turns to steam. The shell of the kernel keeps the steam from expanding, so pressure builds up inside of the kernel until the whole things blows open.
If the kernel doesn't have enough moisture inside of it or if the shell of the kernel is permeable enough to allow the pressure inside the kernel to dissipate before it reaches the critical pop pressure, then that kernel won't pop. Ever.
So to answer your question, no. Take the popcorn off the heat before the popped kernels burn.
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Quick Answer about "Is there something wrong with the corn kernels that don't pop?"
The starch inside flies out with an explosion and the whole kernel turns inside out. And then you have popcorn. If the kernels are either above 14% moisture or below it won't pop properly. You can see examples of different moisture levels below.Why do some corn kernels not pop?
Popcorn kernels will not pop if they contain too little or too much water moisture inside the kernel. The popcorn kernels which do pop have 14-15% moisture in the hull and anything less or more will cause the popcorn kernel to not explode.Why do all the kernels not pop?
If the water percentage in the kernel is too low, the kernels won't pop at all because there is not enough pressure buildup. You should have easily seen the difference in popcorn size and volume once you put the kernels into the glasses at the end of the activity.Do old corn kernels not pop?
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. 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.Why some of the kernels in your popcorn don't pop
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