Gourmet popcorn has a longer shelf life than regular popped popcorn because of the excellent toppings and flavors. The shelf life of your customized popcorn will be determined by the seasonings used. To make gourmet popcorn last as long as possible, store it in an airtight container. There’s nothing like a tin full of gourmet popcorn, whether it’s sweet, savory, or a blend of chocolate popcorn flavour.
Although popcorn is clearly a favorite of many, with so many quarts consumed each year, there are likely to be instances when finishing a can in one sitting becomes difficult. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to keep your gourmet popcorn fresh for longer.
Don’t throw away any leftover gourmet popcorn. You may enjoy this delightful delicacy over and over again if you store your popcorn properly. Here are some storage ideas for your snacks:
- Keep out of direct sunlight when storing:
Keep your gourmet popcorn out of or near direct sunlight. Because popcorn is made from a type of maize, it reacts to environmental factors such as light and humidity in a natural way. When left in the sun, even airtight containers might become too warm inside, which can interfere with your popcorn storage.
In addition, many gourmet toppings, such as chocolate popcorn flavor and caramel drizzles, can quickly melt in the sun, causing your popcorn to stick together inside the container.
- Allow the popcorn to cool to room temperature:
The optimal moisture level for a piece of popcorn is around 14%, which is the amount of moisture required for a kernel to pop properly. Always allow a fresh tin of warm kettle corn to cool before storing it in a container. Otherwise, the containers own steam will trap the heated popcorn, causing it to lose freshness and turn stale more quickly.
Spread fresh gourmet popcorn in a uniform layer on a baking sheet and store it in a cold, dark place until ready to use. Avoid storing it in refrigerator.
- Make sure the container is airtight:
The better the storage container is, the more airtight it will be. Popcorn will dry out and stale if left out in the open. Cover the top of your container in plastic wrap before placing the lid on for an even better seal. After you’ve secured the lid, store the container in your cupboard or pantry until you’re ready to eat again.
