Pop Popcorn on the Stove for Great Taste and Better Health

Health concerns frequently outweigh the convenience of microwave popcorn. And taste preference can impact the healthy choice of using a hot air popcorn popper. Popping popcorn on the stove top can be a great compromise.

Stove top popcorn popping gives you the option to choose the type of oil you use and how much flavoring you want to add. You can use a pan with a matching lid from your kitchen or buy a Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper.

A Whirley Pop consists of an aluminum pan with a clip on lid. It also has a stirring metal rod that you use to manually stir the popcorn kernels around the bottom of the pan. Steam vents at the top lets moisture escape. This popcorn popper can be bought for around $20.

If you’re using a pan, then you’ll want to make sure that it has a thick bottom and a handle. The lid should be tight fitting. For perfect popcorn, follow these steps:

1. Cover the bottom of the pan totally with canola or vegetable oil.
2. Toss in a few kernels to test when the oil is heated and put the lid on
3. Once you hear a two or three pops, add a half a cup of popcorn and put the cover back on
4. Once the popping starts, shake the pan back and forth until the popping stops
5. Then remove from the stove, season and enjoy.

Stove top popcorn popping brings back old fashion magic to the popcorn experience. Hearing the rapid pops in the pan is a lot more satisfying than watching a microwave bag inflate.

As previously mentioned, popping popcorn on a stove is great way to gain control of how your popcorn is popped. You cut out any potential health issues found with microwave popcorn. You’re more in control of the calories you eat. And you can season to your taste.