Preserving Unpopped Kernels

• 1). Purchase the freshest popcorn kernels, in a plastic or glass container if possible, to get the longest life from your popcorn. Bags are more likely to have small rips and tears from transit that can cause the kernels to go stale.
  
  
• 2). Leave the bag, jar or container of popcorn unopened until you are ready to eat the popcorn. Air can ruin the popcorn quickly.
  
  
• 3). Store the popcorn at a cool temperature in a dark area, away from any heat or humidity that can degrade the kernels.
  
  
• 4). Transfer any popcorn left in an opened bag to an airtight container or resealable bag with the air pressed out.
  
  
• 5). Freeze popcorn that will be kept for longer periods of time, up to a year. This prevents the oil in the kernel from going stale and it will keep the moisture inside the kernel responsible for popping from evaporating. Thaw the kernels before cooking.
  
  

Preserving Popped Popcorn

• 1). Pop the popcorn as close as possible to the time it will be eaten. Popped popcorn can start to go soft and stale in as little as an hour.
  
  
• 2). Sprinkle toppings like salt or butter on the popcorn when it will be served. Salt draws moisture from the popcorn while butter will make the popcorn soggy the longer it sits.
  
  
• 3). Store popped popcorn in an airtight glass or plastic container at room temperature in a dark, dry place.
  
  
• 4). Lengthen the life of your popped popcorn by making popcorn balls or following a popcorn recipe that will coat the popcorn. The coating will protect the popcorn from going stale and make up for any lost crispness.
  
  
• 5). Open popcorn that has been purchased already popped when it will be eaten and store in a cool, dry place.