Make popcorn: Cover fully or not?
When making popcorn what is the best practice?
Cover the pan lid completely?
Leave a small vent to let the heat out?
I have always got mixed responses to my query, where some say cover it completely and some say you should leave it a bit open so that the heat/steam lets out.
Can someone share their personal experiences with both the methods and which one is more appropriate?
Best Answer
I have a theatre-style popcorn machine that lets the steam escape (ever so slightly) as the pot is overflowing. When I want to make a smaller batch, I do it the old-fashioned way: in a fully covered saucepan on the stove. When both are preheated properly, oiled and salted properly, it's hard to tell the difference. I do know this: a tightly covered pot will heat up more quickly (because it's retaining more heat), resulting in the kernels popping a little faster. That's simple science.
From the time the popcorn starts popping until it's removed from the heat, it's only a very short time. The average popped kernel is probably in that environment for a minute or less. Whatever steam the popcorn absorbs in the covered pan it quickly lets off when poured into the open bowl.
There might be a minor difference, but if you have to ask, you are probably better at making nearly perfect popcorn than anyone you're likely to ask. Getting the heat, oil, salt, and other flavorings right along with having fresh kernels of a variety that pops to your liking are going to have far more effect on the finished product than minor venting of heat and steam during the popping process. Once you have perfected the rest of the process, you'll be able to tell for yourself whether to cover tightly or not has much effect.
The great thing about figuring it out for yourself is all the popcorn you get to eat. :-)
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Does popcorn need to be covered?
If left uncovered, popcorn will lose its natural moisture and get dry and stale. For an even tighter seal, cover the top of your container in a layer of plastic wrap before putting on the lid. After you secure the lid, place your container in your cupboard or pantry until you're ready to resume snacking.How do I make popcorn pop fully?
Popcorn sitting out in the open too long (Meaning, not an hour or two before, unless it's part of a specific recipe.) Freshly popped popcorn can absorbs humidity from the air, which means it can lose its crispness and it can become chewy.Why is my homemade popcorn not crispy?
The Internet-approved tip is as follows: Soak popcorn kernels in water for 10 minutes, then drain and pop as normal. The theory is that the extra moisture helps produce fluffier puffs.More answers regarding make popcorn: Cover fully or not?
Answer 2
Even covered is not a seal unless it is a pressure cooker. The steam will get out. I see no purpose in leaving a vent.
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