I usually buy the cheap (for us) 2.79 CAD bag of 1kg popping corn. the 850g Orville Redenbacher is 5.79.

However, they were out of the cheap stuff so I was forced to get the ol’ Orville’s stuff. And I found it there were less kernels unpopped, the popcorn was fluffier and weirdly, it sounded louder too. (same stove, pot and everything)

So my question is why is there such a quality difference? Is there a difference in how it’s prepared before shipping? Anyone know?

  • jordanlund@lemmy.world
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    1 month ago

    I can’t speak as to WHY one brand pops different than another, but America’s Test Kitchen figured out the qualitative difference:

    https://youtu.be/-ByrLqhBhvg

    tl;dw

    When a popcorn kernel pops, it can go one of three ways:

    The more unilateral kernels, the crunchier and tastier the popcorn.

    The more multilateral kernels, the more likely it will be squishy and stale.

    So if a brand were able to figure out how to maximize the unilateral, and minimize the multilateral…

    (I think the bilateral and multilateral hold on to butter better).

    • Lost_My_Mind@lemmy.world
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      1 month ago

      God dammit Matpat! Why aren’t you still doing food theory to explore this???

      In one sense, I get it. He wants to spend time with his family, and raise his son, and be a good husband, and not be bound by commitments, and pressures of working…

      But also…HOW COULD YOU LEAVE US!!!