Simple technique for separating corn kernels that haven’t popped.
There is one unknown utility over the bag of microwave popcorn that you deserve to know. In this article we will give you some advice avoid corn kernels (piruá) in microwave popcorn. Check it out below!
Before you open the popcorn bag, do it!
The first step in this tip is to prepare the popcorn in the microwave as directed on the package, without any secrets.
As soon as the popcorn runs out of time, we can notice a small hole in the mouth of the bag, right? Well, let the hot steam out but don’t open the package yet.
The cat’s jump is exactly in that little hole in the bag. This is because it opens a bit during preparation and this serves not only to let the hot air out of the package, but also to allow you to separate the piruá (those pits that have not opened) from the rest of the popcorn.
So before opening the bag, turn it upside down in a container and shake it a lot! Corn kernels that have not popped will fall off easily.
With that done, now comes the easy part, eat!
WARNING: Don’t throw away the unpoped kernels, they’ll still make more popcorn!
What to do with non-burst corn kernels
First of all, we need to understand what makes corn kernels pop or not, the dynamics are quite simple.
What makes popcorn pop (or not)
Inside the popcorn grain there are particles of water and corn starch, while on the outside the peel serves to seal these components inside the grain.
The magic happens when this lump is heated. This is because the heat causes the humidity of the seed to turn into steam, which in contact with the starch generates a white and gelatinous substance. This substance generates pressure on the shell, which is what causes the pit to pop and turn into popcorn.
The problem is that some wells have a crack in the shell, which makes this pressure insufficient, as the moisture simply evaporates, without the ability to create enough pressure to pop the well.
Another reason corn won’t open is when the grain is too dry. This prevents steam from forming inside the bean, which in turn does not receive enough pressure to expand and turn into popcorn.
How to make popcorn with grains that didn’t pop
Since what keeps a grain of corn from bursting is, more often than not, the lack of moisture inside, what we need to do is put that moisture back inside, the process is quite simple:
First, separate a good amount of seeds that haven’t popped in a container with a lid. Then add a little water to the container, cover, shake a little and let it sit for a day or two in a place away from heat and sun.
The amount of water varies according to the amount of piruá you have separated, just keep in mind that we don’t want to soak the seeds, but moisten them, so the amount of water should be small. If in doubt, drain the excess before booking.
After a day or two, try heating three lumps and see if they open. If so, use the rest, otherwise add a little more water and let it sit for another day. Then try again.
Is microwave popcorn bad for your health?
One of our TikTok followers raised this ball in one of his comments:
“Microwave popcorn is really bad!”Pedro Henrique said.
Given this statement, we decided to do a research.
Where does the “bad” of microwave popcorn come from
The first thing we need to point out is that what has already been classified as dangerous involving microwave popcorn is not related to the corn grain, but to the chemical components of the bag or within it.
The main potentially hazardous chemical is known as perfluorooctanoate, PFOA or C8. This compound was used in the composition of the popcorn bags and their main goal was to prevent the fats present during the cooking of the stone from flowing through the bag.
In Brazil, a study published by the CETESB (Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo) classified the compound as a possible carcinogen:
“The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies PFOA in Group 2B – a possible human carcinogen, based on limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans (testicular and kidney cancer) and carcinogenic in animals from experiment “.
Furthermore, one of the main characteristics of PFOA is that it can stay in people’s bodies for a long time.
However, note that we are referring to the past tense, ie “was used”. The reason is that, due to studies on this component, manufacturers have decided to stop using the product in their packaging around the world since 2011.
In 2013, a survey was conducted in the United States that found that over 98% of Americans would have a considered value of the substance in their body. That is, after two years the compost was practically eradicated from the food industry.
The controversy over butter
Another problem involving microwave popcorn is the presence of a chemical called as diacetyl (diacetyl). This product is used to impart artificial butter flavor and aromas to the product.
It can be shown that this component develops, in humans, a disease known as popcorn lung or bronchiolitis obliterans, its scientific name. A disease that can cause shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, fever, various irritations in the body, and even lead to death. Contamination is created by persistent inhalation of diacetyl vapors.
In 2008, US government experts revealed that diacetyl can cause lung and airway cancer in mice. In 2022 a study by USP experts revealed that this substance can also cause Alzheimer’s. No human studies have yet been conducted.
The good news is that microwave transmission of popcorn consumption was not considered a danger to casual food consumers (no excess). Another relevant piece of information is that major microwave popcorn manufacturers have no longer used the chemical in their products since 2007.
However, in 2012, an American received $ 7 million in compensation for contracting the disease after eating two bags of microwaved popcorn a day for 10 years.
Finally, the curiosities about popcorn seem to be endless, as we saw in the article where we tested a recipe for popcorn ice cream. Spoiler: it’s a delight!
Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
