A question about popcorn.

[GaryI72]

We raised popping corn this year in the garden. Here is a pic of what it looks like. Small dismall popcorn.  Some say this is due to not enough moisture in the kernel. I have put tablespoon of water in quart jar, sealed and set for a couple of days. This was one suggestion. No luck. Someone said put in freeze and then pop. No luck. I've tried it on the cob and off the cob. Microwave, stove top, and hot air popper. Same result. I've got over three dozen of this stuff. Hate to throw it all way. I was excited about popping in the microwave still on the cob. Any suggestions? Maybe a little motor oil? Have a great Thansgiving everyone!

[gasman826]

quite the collection of 'old maids'

Raised popcorn one time as a kid...couldn't get it to pop.  Never planted popcorn again.

[GaryI72]

Maybe the squirrels will appreciate it. I'm about ready to say it's a bust.

[lalessi1]

You could try grinding the stuff into pop grits and cooking them in beer... somebody in south Louisiana could figure out how to eat'em. Happy Thanksgiving to all as well!

[Ford Blue blood]

Raised tons of pop corn, shelled it fit in three 5 lb cherry cans.  Need to pull the husk back, hang on a line to dry and shuck it off.  The kernels should just about fall off when it is dry.  Need to blow air through the shelled kernels to get rid of the chaff.  Cook on the stove with high heat, oil should be just to the smoking stage before the kernels are put in.  Shake and stir until the noise stops and slather with real butter.  Never had a problem with old maids and little "pops" like your picture showed. 

That was in WI.  Did some in VA Beach while stationed out there.  Sandy light soil in WI and heavy clay in VA so I don't think growing conditions are the issue. 

Funny story about the VA corn.  Put some old freezer burned fish in each hill.  My wife had no idea where popcorn came from so after doing the above I popped up a batch, buttered it and tasted.  She asked how it was and I said really good but tasted a little fishy!  She almost didn't taste it because she don't like the taste of fish.....

[GaryI72]

I knew this was the right forum to post this question! Thanks for the advice. Funny story about the fish. You mentioned the chaff because I wasn't sure if it needed removed. When I tried the corn in the air popper, it looked like it was snowing in the kitchen. Little lady was not happy with chaff blowing everywhere.
Of course, she is never happy with some of the end results of my experiments in the kitchen.

[sprink88]

Good to know about the popcorn, always wanted to try it to grow it. But maybe I won't now

[GaryI72]

I definitely don't want to discourage anyone from giving it a shot. It was my first year and I wasn't even sure when to pick it.  At least I got ears off it. Maybe next year will be the winner!