Homegrown popcorn

[lostspring]

I had a good crop of popcorn this year, my first time growing it. The problem is I can't get it to pop. A few kernals pop but most do not. There is some popping sounds but no popcorn. Most of the kernals just burn. I am guessing that it is to dry? Some kernals puff a little bit similar to parched corn but not quite.
Can anyone give me some ideas as what the problem might be and how to correct it?
Thanks
Tom

[haypoint]

It has to be at the correct moisture level.
Too moist and the corn just puffs up, like the cereal Sugar Puffs.
Too dry and the corn won't pop or the few that do make a loud pop sound.
If it is too wet, leave in open jars in a dry place, test every week. Once the corn pops correctly, seal off the jars.
I've added water to jars of over dried popcorn and had the corn absorb it, but I won't recommend it because there is a chance of mold forming. Use your own judgement on that.

[farmgal]

I was told dry it to 18 % moisture. Seems to work good. I dry it in the basement, except this year I had a bad crop too much rain. the corn didnt grow. But I have a digital hydrometer I bought from meyers hatchery ( I think) for incubating my eggs but found it quite useful for things like my popcorn and herbs. I'd recommend getting one, it was only 20$ back then and its very accurate. You can fix the popcorn, just place it in a damp place and keep an eye on it.

edit: I found an article that states 14-15%. I wonder if different types need different moisure contents. So I guess we would should experiment....lol

[bak2tn]

For over thirty years I have used this method to determine when popcorn is ready to store. Dry on the cob until when you try to twist a cob with a hand on each end it is very difficult. Then shell and bag up or put in jars. It has never failed me. Learned this from a Hippie farmer producing popcorn commercially.

[Oldcountryboy]

We would pull the shucks back on the cob and let dry on the stalk for several days. Then shell them out and store in a jar. Read the other day that popcorn makes the best flour. Might have to try it out some summer.

[Michele of MI]

Try soaking it in water for about fifteen minutes before popping. We do that with some of the storebought, and it seems to pop better. May or may not work, but it's definitely worth a try.