Can microwave popcorn explode?

Corn kernels, whether made in a microwave, skillet or electric popper, become popcorn by getting very hot very fast. This excites the moisture inside the kernel, rapidly building pressure so high that the kernel literally explodes.

Why is prepackaged microwave popcorn harmful?

Research has linked the coatings used in microwave popcorn to health issues. “One of the ingredients found in many brands of microwaveable popcorn is diacetyl, a flavoring which has been linked to the lung disease bronchiolitis obliterans,” says Anna Taylor, a clinical dietician with Cleveland Clinic.

Why do popcorn bags say this side up?

Here’s why: The reason microwave popcorn manufacturers give you a side to have up when you start the nuking is because one side of the bag (the side you put down) has a susceptor in it. With the susceptor on top of the kernels, I found it took a few seconds longer for the kernels to start popping.

Why do microwaves have a popcorn button if you aren’t supposed to use it?

According to General Electric, the popcorn setting “provides a one-touch method of cooking your favorite microwave popcorn without having to guess the correct time needed.” While every microwave is different, the overall purpose is to pop your corn kernels without requiring much brain power.

What happens if you heat popcorn upside down?

Will the popcorn bag explode if microwaved upside down? No, the bag will not explode if you microwave it upside down. It absorbs the microwaves, which raises its temperature high enough to cook the kernels by conduction. In order for this to happen properly, the kernels should be positioned over the susceptor.

What is the white stuff in popcorn?

So what exactly is that white stuff? Well, as the moisture in the popcorn escapes, the starch inside expands and forms tiny bubbles, a lot like soap bubbles in a bubble bath. The hot steam causes this bubbly, foamy structure to set almost instantaneously. That’s the white cloud that forms a piece of popcorn.

Can you get popcorn lung from eating popcorn?

It’s not harmful when swallowed, but it can damage the lungs if large amounts are inhaled. Nearly all “popcorn lung” victims worked in popcorn or flavoring manufacturing facilities, where they breathed in the chemical every day.

What’s inside a microwave popcorn bag?

In addition to the dried corn, the bags typically contain cooking oil with sufficient saturated fat to solidify at room temperature, one or more seasonings (often salt), and natural or artificial flavorings or both.

How long should you microwave microwave popcorn?

Cook in the microwave at full power for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, or until you hear pauses of about 2 seconds between pops. Carefully open the bag to avoid steam, and pour into a serving bowl.

How do microwave popcorn bags work?

Microwavable popcorn bags work the same way a microwave will cook anything, by stirring up the moisture inside the kernels. The bag keeps all of the steam and moisture trapped, allowing the kernels to heat up faster. These bags are coated in the flavors you love, so when the popcorn pops it will pop right into them.

How do you hack microwave popcorn?

The trick is simple. Take a bag of popcorn, microwave as directed, then grab the popped bag and notice the slit where steam has escaped. Grab the bag (without burning yourself), turn it slit-side down, and shake all those pesky unpopped kernels into a receptacle like a bowl.

Why do you put the side of the microwave popcorn bag up?

Here’s why: The reason microwave popcorn manufacturers give you a side to have up when you start the nuking is because one side of the bag (the side you put down) has a susceptor in it.

Why do you put popcorn kernels in the microwave?

It absorbs the microwaves, which raises its temperature high enough to cook the kernels by conduction. In order for this to happen properly, the kernels should be positioned over the susceptor. The next time you want to make some popcorn snacks, peek into the empty bag.

Will a microwave bag explode if you microwaved it upside down?

No, the bag will not explode if you microwave it upside down. The real answer lies with this interesting material called a susceptor. It’s the metallic-looking sheet (sometimes wrapped in paper) found both in microwave bags and in crisping sleeves for other microwaved foods.

Is it safe to pop popcorn in the microwave?

If you’ve ever popped corn in a brown paper bag, you know that isn’t very efficient, though some think it is safer than popping prepackaged popcorn bags. Is microwave popcorn safe? Well, that depends on whom you’re asking.