Popcorn Cob? Yes, this is a thing! And if you haven’t tried this yet, I highly recommend it.
This is a fun activity in the fall months when dry corncobs, also known as Indian Corn, are abundant. We recently visited a local farm. After watching them mill dried corn into animal feed, they sent us home with organic cobs of dried corn to make into popcorn. Amazing, right?
Did you know that it’s perfect for popping? I didn’t, so for us this was a true, yummy experiment.
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Where can I find Popcorn on the Cob?
If you don’t have a source for dried corn cobs like we did, don’t worry! You can find them in some gourmet shops and online.
We’ve picked dried Indian Corn at farm stands, and Farmer’s Popcorn Cobs at Sur La Table and Amazon: beautiful ears of corn, non-GMO + Kansas grown.
Supplies for Corn Cob Popcorn
Farmer’s Popcorn Cob (Amazon, pack of 3)
Paper Bags
Microwave
Before you start
To build excitement and curiosity, ask some questions about popcorn and how it’s made.
What happens when we put dried popcorn and oil on the stovetop?
What do you think will happen if we put dried popcorn in the microwave?
Do you think it would be the same or different if we microwave dried corn cob?
How to make Popcorn with a Dried Corn Cob
- Place the cob in a brown paper lunch bag.
- Fold the bag up a couple times to keep the steam in
- Cook the cob in the microwave. Set it to a popcorn setting if you have that.
My little one (with face paint) was so excited when it started popping in the microwave. We cooked it on the popcorn setting, which is about two and half minutes long. As with any other popcorn, open the microwave door when the popping sounds slow down.
We opened it up for a peek, and it was gorgeous.
Marvel at how much popcorn came off of one little cob!
The ends of this ear didn’t pop off and actually singed up a bit. My daughter loved the whole process, right on down to eating the corn.
Click here to get our free downloadable list of 50 fun ways to celebrate fall with kids.
To extend this into a fun literacy moment, read The Popcorn Book by Tomie de Paola. It’s funny, and an instant childhood favorite. My kids love it.
When we read the book we learned that “The Colonists like it [popcorn] so much that they served popcorn for breakfast with cream poured on it.” Try turning your popcorn into an old fashioned breakfast treat with Popcorn Cereal.
More Fall Ideas for Kids
50 Things to do with your family this fall. Are you wondering what to do with the family this fall? Get the free Great Big Family Fall List!
Make Pumpkin Pie Playdough. A sensory favorite for toddlers and preschoolers. > Pumpkin Pie Playdough Recipe
Leaf Collages. If you have access to leaves, I have two really easy projects for you that you can do right away. Try the Tree Trunk Leaf Collage or Contact Paper Autumn Collage.
Warm your home with this pretty lantern. Make this beautiful fall lantern from crayons.
Create a Leaf Craft: There are so many fall leaf crafts! For example, Make Leaf Critters or try Coffee Filter Leaf Sun Catchers
Make Apple Prints: How to Set up an Apple Printing Station
Preserved Leaves. Avoid watching your beautiful fall leaves break apart and try preserving them in glycerin.
OH wow that’s super cool I’ve never tried putting a cob of corn like that in the microwave it seems so exciting- thanks for the idea:)
r u deadrose
This is really cool! Thanks!
Big M’s very favorite veggie is Corn on the Cob. . .I wonder if we could even dry our own? Sounds like an extra fun fall project! p.s. I love the updated pic in the corner.
no but I will now!!
My grandsons and I tried throwing left over kernels into the campfire. I can’t wait to share this with them. Now…to find a place to get the popcorn on the cob.
oh wow that is so cool !! We love corn on the cob and the popcorn too… will have to try this. Thank you for sharing:)
I am cracking up at her painted face! I don’t know how many times I’ve taken photos of Michael and he’s all painted up for no reason except that it’s fun. Thanks for sharing your cool experiment!
how cool is that?!?! i didn’t know you could do that either and now will have to try it out! i’m a popcorn junkie!
Wow, I never knew! Ok, knowing how much my son loves corn on the cob and popcorn, I can’t wait to do this with him – popcorn on the cob! Of course, over here we’re just starting to get fresh sweet corn, so will have to wait a few months. Thank you so much for this post!
What fun! I love this idea. It almost makes me want to go out and buy a microwave to try it. Alternatively, we’ll have to borrow our neighbors! 🙂
I have always wondered if this really worked. Now I know it does and I will not have to waste those corncobs as decorations, I will be able to eat them too! You know I am all for eating, anything yummy and organic that is!
Thanks for sharing this eatable experiment.
I have done this before – so much fun and tasty too!! Now I need Fall to come again! 🙂
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I buy dried corn on the cob for the squirrels in my backyard. Will those work? Or are those just for animals?
TIA
Suzzette
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Merci pour les informations
Le sujet d’un nouveau et passionnant
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Thank you so much
Thank you so much
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