Popcorn is associated with watching your favorite movies, but you can enjoy the snack anytime.
Eat a few kernels while reading a book or between meals for a light and satisfying crunch. But whatever you do, don’t microwave it using the popcorn button.
You can always pop your own kernels in a pot or a classic electric popcorn popper. There are ready-made versions of popcorn available. In a pinch, though, microwaving gives you the warm cinema experience in under three minutes.
But if you use the popcorn button, time is a big problem. If you’ve noticed, pressing the option and walking away often leaves it scorched. According to Reader’s Digest, many popcorn buttons are set for too long.
“Read the package of the popcorn to see the time that is required to cook it,” Becky Beach, a food and lifestyle expert/blogger told the publication. “Each brand of popcorn is different, so pay close attention.”
When bags say to listen for popping, you should adhere to it. “You must listen to it, and when the popping slows down, take it out,” she said.
A 20th-century marvel, microwaved popcorn has been around since the 1970s, when Pillsbury offered it in vending machines, according to Mashed. Act I, made with real butter, was sold in stores. Act II was introduced in the 1980s with butter flavoring, making it shelf-stable. If you look at the instructions for today’s microwave options, they don’t typically advise you to press the popcorn button.
For all its convenience, though, the downside of microwave popcorn is the health factor.
Michigan State University says if you opt for them, watch out for added salt, fat, oil and sugar. “Wording on boxes of premade bags can be very misleading,” MSU said.
You don’t have to choose between microwaving popcorn and heating up kernels on the stove though. You can make your own microwave popcorn. Add ¼ cup of corn kernels in a paper bag and tightly fold it down. Set the microwave for 2 minutes and listen until popping slows. Then, you can personalize your toppings — from a light dusting of salt to chili powder.
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