As it turns out, we can satisfy our cravings for popcorn, even when we only have corn on the cob at our disposal. The transition from an ear of corn to a bowl of crunchy popcorn is not nearly as complicated as you would expect.
For starters, the corn on the cob needs to be fully dried out first. Yes, the corn can pop on the cob but others may decide to carefully remove each kernel. The husk will also need to be removed.
Once the cut corn or fresh corn has been isolated, it can be placed in a low oven with the door left slightly open. It can also be cooked in a dehydrator or the microwave can be set on low.
These methods ensure that the fresh corn remains fully dry. The corn is then placed in a microwave popcorn popper or we can use two brown paper bags to pop the corn.
No, you cannot make popcorn out of sweet corn. The shells that hold each kernel in place are simply not strong enough for this purpose. Popcorn cannot be made from every variety of corn because of the lacking shells and improper moisture.
In some cases, the corn may be too moist. In other instances, the corn may not be moist enough. To dry the corn, the corn on the cob must be placed inside of a low oven with the heat set to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
For best results, the oven door must be left slightly ajar. The ear of corn is then dried for 4 to 6 hours, as we take the time to rotate the cob every hour on the hour, so it dries in an even manner.
You can also dry out the corn on the cob by utilizing a dehydrator overnight. Those who are using a microwave will place the device on the lowest power setting and nuke it for at least an hour.
Make sure that the microwave is being stopped every five minutes, though. Check the dryness and rotate the cob on each side.
Is it completely dried? Grab a medium-size paper bag and place the cob inside.
Fold the bag end twice to secure the closure, place it in the microwave and set it on high heat. Set it to 2½ to 4 minutes.
Popping intervals must be cut down to 2 to 3 seconds before stopping the microwave. Set the time to 2 minutes if unsure, then add 30 seconds incrementally until popping slows to 3 seconds between every pop.
How Long Does Corn on the Cob Need to Dry?
Fortunately, the process of drying the corn can be completed in a few simple steps:
- Mature, tender ears are best in these instances. Blanch them for 5 to 6 minutes in steam or 4 to 5 minutes in boiling water.
- When it is time to stop the cooking action, cool the ears in cold water. This stops the cooking actions.
- Don’t scrap here. Make sure that the kernels are cut to within 3/4 of their depth.
- Mesh-covered dehydrator trades are used for this step. Place the corn in a single layer. The remaining heat allows the process to begin more quickly. Don’t use regular trays, as the kernels will become too small and fall through.
- It takes 6 to 10 hours for a full dry. Start at 150 degrees Fahrenheit for the first hour or two, then lower it to 130 degrees for the remainder of the process.
- As the drying time concludes, the corn will start to dry faster. Watch the corn closely, so that it does not get burned. Once the corn is crisp and crunchy, that means it is done.
- Store the finished product in an airtight jar and make sure it is in a cool, dark place.
Get Ready to Pop Premium Popcorn
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Give us a call at 517-767-3569 as soon as you are ready to find out more!