Corn comes from a cob!
Most kids don’t realize that popcorn starts as corn on the cob! In today’s world, we’re often disconnected from where our food comes from, so this is a great opportunity to show them. If you have access to a garden, let them see how corn grows before it turns into crunchy, delicious popcorn. No garden? No problem! Grab fresh corn on the cob from the store or farmer’s market and let them see for themselves.
When fresh corn is left to dry, the kernels shrink and harden into what we know as popcorn kernels. Each little kernel on the cob turns into a piece of popcorn when heated—how cool is that?!
For an even more hands-on experience, try finding dried corn on the cob! The most rewarding (and time-consuming) way is to grow it yourself. Wait until the husks turn brown and the kernels harden, then pull back the husk and hang it in a well-ventilated space to dry for a week or more. If growing your own isn’t an option, check your local farmers market or order dried popcorn cobs online.
This is also a great time to introduce a little science lesson—corn kernels are actually seeds! Kids usually learn about the plant life cycle around third grade, and this is a perfect way to connect that lesson to real life. The corn they eat is made up of dozens of seeds, each one capable of growing into a whole new plant under the right conditions.
What makes popcorn pop?
Popcorn is special because of its tough outer shell, called the pericarp or hull. This shell protects the inner seed before it sprouts and eventually grows into more corn. But when you heat popcorn kernels, something amazing happens!
Inside the kernel, there’s a tiny bit of moisture. As the kernel heats up, that moisture turns into steam, creating pressure inside. The pericarp is strong, but it can only handle so much. At around 300°F, the pressure builds until—POP! The inside of the seed, which is made of starches meant to feed a baby corn plant, bursts out and immediately cools into fluffy, crunchy popcorn.
Oils and heat
In order for the corn kernels to actually pop, they must be heated to a rather high temperature (about 150º). This means that the corn popping oil used must also be appropriate for heating at a high temperature since it takes a lot of heat for the inside of the corn kernel to finally pop. Each oil has a different smoking point and can burn if it gets too hot which will drastically change the flavor of your popcorn.
To make perfect homemade popcorn, you need an oil that can handle high heat. Not all oils are created equal—some burn at lower temperatures, which can ruin your popcorn’s flavor.
Best oils for popcorn:
✅ Coconut oil – For that true movie-theater popcorn flavor, use refined coconut oil (higher smoke point) or unrefined coconut oil (slightly more buttery taste).
✅ Canola oil – A great neutral option with a high smoke point.
✅ Avocado oil – Healthy and ideal for high-heat cooking.
✅ Ghee (clarified butter) – Adds buttery richness without burning.
Movie theaters use artificial butter flavoring, but unrefined coconut oil gives homemade popcorn a naturally rich, buttery taste—without the weird additives.
If your child is old enough to read, show them an oil temperature chart and have them figure out which oils work best for popping popcorn. Then explain which one you’ll be using and why!
Seasoning blend
One of the best things about homemade popcorn is that you can season it however you want! After popping, start with salt to bring out the natural flavor, then let kids experiment with different seasonings.
Kid-friendly popcorn seasoning ideas:
🌶️ Paprika – Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor.
🧄 Garlic powder – A must for savory popcorn.
🧅 Onion powder – For oniony goodness.
🍋 Lemon pepper – Zesty and bright.
🌿 Fresh herbs – Level up the flavor profile with rosemary, basil, thyme, or oregano.
🌳 Cinnamon – I know, sounds weird, but kids love it!
🔥 Tajin or chili flakes – For a little kick!
Let kids smell each spice and explain what it’s called. Ask, “Want me to add this one to your popcorn? A little or a lot?”
For more hands-on fun, put small amounts of each spice in separate bowls. Give your child their own mini seasoning bowl and let them taste-test each spice before creating their own custom popcorn spice blend. Just remind them that seasonings taste different when mixed with food!
Pro tip – Take some popcorn out for yourself before they start going wild with the spices!
Kids Recipe Card
Easy Homemade Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 2 tbsp oil coconut oil (refined or unrefined) or canola oil
- salt to taste
- herbs and seasonings of choice rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, cayenne, everything seasoning, dill, chili powder, etc.
Instructions
- Adults do: Demonstrate taking corn kernels off the cob. This can be tricky depending on the individual cob. Get it started by twisting the cob as if you were trying to wring water out of it. Once loosened, show how to use your thumbs (or fingers) to remove the kernels.
- Kids do: Using their thumbs (or any creative means), take the kernels off the cob and put them into a large bowl. This part takes patience, but it’s a great sensory activity!
- Adults do: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in the bottom of a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop in a single kernel—if it starts to bubble around the edges, you’re ready to go.
- Adults do: Add 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels and immediately cover with a lid.
- ⚠️ Caution: If the oil is too hot, kernels may pop instantly—even before you get the lid on! Make sure all children are watching from a safe distance.
- Adults do: Gently shimmy the saucepan/pot every 15 seconds to keep the kernels moving and ensure even popping.
- Adults do: Once the popping slows down to about 2-3 seconds between pops, remove the saucepan/pot from the heat. Let it sit with the lid on for another 30 seconds to catch any last pops.
- Adults do: Carefully transfer the freshly popped corn into the large bowl.
- Kids do: Choose and sprinkle on their favorite seasonings. Get creative!
- Adults do: Toss one more time to mix everything together.
- Everyone: Grab a handful, enjoy, and celebrate your homemade popcorn masterpiece!
