No, you cannot directly pop corn on the cob (sweetcorn). The type of corn used for popping is different from the sweetcorn typically eaten on the cob. The kernels of popping corn have a harder outer shell and contain a higher moisture content, which allows them to explode and turn into popcorn when heated.
Sweetcorn, on the other hand, is harvested when the kernels are in a soft and milky stage, and it is typically consumed by boiling or grilling the cob. The moisture content and composition of sweetcorn kernels are not suitable for popping.
If you want to enjoy popcorn, you would need to use specifically cultivated popping corn kernels that are dried and have the right properties for popping. These kernels are widely available in stores and can be prepared using various methods such as stovetop popping, microwave popping, or using a popcorn machine.
But Can You Pop Popcorn Corn on the Cob?
Yes, you can pop popcorn on a cob! Popcorn is a kind of corn that is bred particularly for popping. The kernels are smaller and more rigid than sweet corn kernels.
Sweetcorn is the sort of corn that you would eat off the cob. It is not meant for popping and will not pop as popcorn does.
The cob of corn is where it’s at for all you moviegoers out there. The thicker skin means more crunch and chew, which also helps your digestive health!
Whether it’s sweet or savory (or both), kernels popped on a cob make eating popcorn so much better than simply popping them in an air popper – plus, who doesn’t love adding some spice to their day?
It’s almost hard to choose just one type of popcorn for this list, but I think we all know that the classic sweet corn is nothing more than pureed peas in its shell. But if you’re looking forward to popping your kernel and tasting how different it can be, plenty is out on offer!
For instance, Heirloom Strawberry has ruby-colored kernels which will burst open when they become hot enough – while Robust Yellow Hulles Hybrid makes excellent bright yellow cobs with sturdy thick skins capable of protecting against moisture during storage.
Can any Corn be Used for Popcorn?
No, not all corn can be used for popcorn. The only type of corn that will pop is Zea mays var. everta, which has a thicker outer skin than sweet corn types. Popcorn is very diverse, with many colors and textures.
For popcorn to pop correctly, it must have less than 25% moisture. If popcorn and sweetcorn drop pollen simultaneously in the same garden, their quality may diminish. Popcorn needs a strong shell that can withstand pressure so that fresh sweetcorn husk won’t do.
Sweet corn is plucked when tender, while the popcorn is plucked when it’s brown. Thus, not all corn can be used for popcorn.
For further reading on corn vs popcorn check our article.
Can you Pop Sweet Corn?
No, regular sweet corn is a different type of corn and won’t pop.
How Do You Cook Popcorn Corn on the Cob?
You can cook popcorn on corn on the cob in a few different ways:
Method for Microwaving Popcorn on the Cob
Microwave popcorn on a corn cob by rubbing butter on a dried corn cob and then placing it in a brown microwave-proof bag.
It may take patience on a cob, and cooking time will differ depending on the nuke, so read our guide on how long to microwave popcorn without burning it.
Method for Oventop Popcorn on a Cob
Put the cobs in a pot, cover it, and wait for it to pop. 2-3 corn cobs make enough popcorn. Ensure your pan has adequate room for the popcorn.
Keep in mind that it’s all about heat control and time; some loathe this procedure as you can burn the popcorn cob.
Does Popcorn Grow on a Cob?
Popcorn grows on a cob, also known as an ear of corn. The kernels of popcorn are attached to the cob in rows. When the kernels are popped, they detach from the cob and expand in size.
While popcorn may seem like a portion of an entirely different food, popcorn and field corn are similar. Both corn types are grown from seeds, take around the same amount of time to germinate and emerge from the ground, and are on cobs.
However, there are some critical differences between popcorn and field corn:
When it comes to growing popcorn, farmers usually grow two types: butterfly popcorn and mushroom corn.
Once the ears of corn are harvested, they are split open, and the kernels are removed. The kernels are then evaluated to remove any that won’t pop. If you’re fortunate enough to obtain a few cobs from a local farmer, this is where you can start your popcorn adventure.
How to Grow Homemade Popcorn Kernels?
You must have the proper soil. Sandy loam is preferable, and seeds should be planted approximately 1 inch deep. Plant your seedlings 8 inches apart, 18 inches apart, or in bunches spaced apart. It will take around 90 days to reach full growth.
TIP – Development requires attention to detail. We want sunshine and water, as well as warmth in the form of mulch and a rich compost or organic fertilizer.
Growing plants’ tassels will be coated with pollen. Pollen is captured by female ears and silks and lands on corn silks to fertilize the cob. Cross-pollination may alter the flavor of sweet corn and popcorn kernels, so grow different species of corn in separate plots.
You will also need to keep corn earworms at bay. Moths are drawn to maize by its aromatic silks. These moths deposit eggs on silks, which hatch into crop-damaging earworms.
You may attempt the pest-control solutions listed below sparingly.
How to Store and Dry Popcorn Kernels?
Hang husked ears in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area. Popcorn should have 13 to 14% moisture. Pop kernels once or twice a week. Air-drying popcorn on a screen, newspaper or brown paper bags is preferable. Warm, dry. Kernels dry in two weeks. Always flip them, so they dry evenly.
Keep the dried kernels or cobs in a cool, dark, airtight container. They’ll persist for months, if not years. Depending on the weather, drying time might vary from one week to several weeks.
The popcorn is ready to be shelled, or you can try to pop it on the cob for fun.
Can You Pop Popcorn on the Cob?
Yes! There are companies that sell popcorn on the cob for you to pop. Or you can simply buy the cobs and do it yourself.
While it’s possible to pop popcorn that’s still on the cob, it can be a bit tricky. First, you’ll want to ensure the corn is fully matured and dry. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob, being careful not to break them.
Amazon has a variety available – check their selection of popcorn on the cob.
Once you have your kernels, heat a large pot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Add the kernels to the pot and cover it with a lid, leaving a small crack for steam to escape. Shake the pot occasionally and listen for the popping sound to slow down.
Once the popping slows, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a minute before removing the lid. Enjoy your homemade cob popcorn!
Can you Eat Popcorn on the Cob?
Yes absolutely! Be careful though, as the cob itself can get really hot while popping the corn, and it’s tricky to avoid burning your lips. However, if you have the patience to wait for it to cool, knock yourself out!
What Are Corn on the Cob Popcorn Bags?
Corn on the cob popcorn bags are really cute party favors where you put popped popcorn in a plastic bag and surround it with green tissue paper, so it looks like a corn on the cob. This video shows you in just 22 seconds how to make them:
Let’s Get Popping! 💭
Thank you for reading our article on popping corn kernels on a cob! We hope you enjoyed it and learned something new.
Did you know that unpopped kernels at the bottom of a popcorn bag are called old maids?
