Chewy popcorn - I'm bummed!

[QSis]

Inspired by a recent thread about popcorn toppings, I abandoned my microwave popcorn and bought a bag of "old fashioned" corn to make in a pot on top of the stove, for the first time in years.

I just opened the bag, but the corn was tough and chewy.

I used canola oil, sprinkled a little salt in the oil, and put in 3 kernals. When they popped, I put in enough kernals to cover the bottom of the pot. My lid has a vent.

So .... what is wrong here? Can a new bag of corn be stale?

Just bought the corn last week and was saving it for a weekend baseball game - looked forward to having a taste of the past. So I'm disappointed.

Lee

[auntdot]

Qsis, I grew up at a time when we only had that sort of popcorn. Then Jiffy Popcame along. And long before most folks had a microwave.

Sounds like a bad batch to me. The steps you mentioned seem exactly right.

I would try another source for the corn.

Good luck.

[Uncle Bob]

Miss Lee....I've experienced "old" bagged popcorn. With today's popularity of Microwave the bagged doesn't turn over so it can set on the shelf and get old. I pop popcorn the old fashion way too....cast iron skillet, yada yada...I use Orville Redenbacher's in a plastic jug....Sometimes, it can be a little chewy...most times delicious. Why it is chewy sometimes I don't have a clue. FWIW...I put the oil, and the corn in the pan cold with a lid and give it few shakes along....If you are getting a lot of unpopped kernels I really would suspect "old" product.

[jabbur]

Sure sounds like old corn. I like to cover the bottom of my pan with corn then add the oil to coat the kernals, add seasoned salt and then heat with a few shakes along the way. My lid is not really vented but the pan has a pour spout that allows steam to escape. I would try another bag. I also like to keep my corn in a canning jar after opening the bag. I think it keeps better.

[Katie E]

Lee, I've noticed that "house" brand popcorn is often tough. If I purchase something like Orville's or Jolly Time, I haven't had any tough corn.

However, I like to buy my popcorn at a local Amish market. Lots of fantastic varieties and always good.

P.S. I always store my popcorn in the freezer.

[Barb L.]

Yupper - sounds like older corn to me too, and I always keep mine in the fridge.

[QSis]

Okay, thanks guys.

I will try a jar of Orville's.

Auntdot, I grew up in the era of stovetop popcorn, too, but the microwave corn got better and I got lazier!

I can't get my favorite microwave corn anymore - Orville Reddenbacher's Tender White. It was the BEST, but my stores stopped carrying it.

Lee

[suziquzie]

This thread has made me decide on popcorn for dinner instead of Salmon.
thanks!!
;)

[pdswife]

well, the kids will eat that with now problems!! :)

[suziquzie]

hence my intelligent decision!!!