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Popcorn is the perfect snack for a late-night movie or a get-together. However, it’s sometimes hard to decide the amount of kernels you’ll need to pop. For instance, how much popcorn does ½ cup (64 g) of kernels make?
½ cup (64 g) of popcorn kernels should make approximately 16 cups (3790 g) of perfectly popped popcorn. However, several factors may affect the amount of popcorn successfully popped, such as the method of popping, the heat source, and the type of kernels.
Keep reading to learn how to measure ½ cup (64 g) of kernels and the factors that determine how much popcorn this will make. I’ve also included a list of tips and tricks on how to make the most popcorn from your ½ cup (64 g) kernels.
How Do You Measure A ½ Cup Of Kernels?
Most times, when making most popcorn recipes, you require ⅓ cup (43 g) of popcorn kernels to 1 full cup (128 g) to make several servings of popcorn.
To measure a ½ cup (64 g) of kernels, it’s best to fill a ½ cup measuring cup using a measuring spoon to scoop the popcorn kernels. Level the kernels by running your finger across the top. Gently shake the cup to settle the popcorn and refrain from pressing the kernels to get an inaccurate reading.
Here’s a table to help guide you when measuring the kernels and the approximate amount of popcorn popped you can expect:
| Popcorn Kernels | Approximate Popcorn Popped |
| 2 tablespoons (15 g) of kernels | 4 cups (946.32 g) of popcorn |
| ¼ cup (32 g) of kernels | 8 cups (1892.64 g) |
| ⅓ cup (43 g) of kernels | 10 cups (2365.8 g) |
| ½ cup (64 g) of kernels | 16 cups (3790 g) |
| ¾ cup (96 g) of kernels | 24 cups (5760 g) |
| 1 cup (128 g) of kernels | 32 cups (7680 g) |
Note: The amount of popcorn popped depends on many factors, such as the quality of the popcorn kernels and your popping method. The amount and overall quality of popped popcorn can be further enhanced with some minimal prep work to the kernels and attention to detail when popping.
What Factors Affect How Much Popcorn Pops From ½ Cup Kernels?
Even with the perfect measurement of kernels, it may not result in the desired amount of popcorn. Unfortunately, it’s possible to have several leftover kernels that didn’t turn into popcorn or most of the popcorn burnt. But this isn’t always the fault of who’s popping the kernels, rather, the kernels, themselves.
Factors that affect how much popcorn successfully pops from ½ cup of kernels mainly include the brand and variety of popcorn. Additionally, the vessel used to pop the kernels will affect the yield, as microwaves, stove tops, and air poppers all differ in performance.
While there are many brands and varieties of kernels, some just aren’t as good in quality as others. To ensure a healthy yield of popped popcorn, always go for fresh and high-quality varieties of kernels.
If you want to get the most popped kernels in the quickest time, go for Dash Popcorn Popper Maker (available on Amazon.com). It doesn’t use oil, making for a healthier snack, plus it comes with a measuring cup that can be used to melt butter.
How Do You Make The Most Popcorn From ½ Cup Of Kernels?
Getting all your ½ cup (64 g) kernels to pop can be tricky.
To make the most popcorn from ½ cup of kernels, it’s best to soak them before popping, purchase quality and fresh kernels, and make an even layer on the pot before popping. Also, to avoid burning, be sure to stop the cooking process once popping has slowed or halted.
It’s probably why some people opt to buy pre-popped popcorn. It’s essential to learn the tricks to reduce unpopped kernels and make the most popcorn from your ½ cup (64 g) of kernels. Here are some tips to follow:
- Soak the popcorn kernels in water for 10 minutes before popping. Rehydrating kernels provides them with extra moisture for popping. You’ll have fewer unpopped kernels (old maids), and you’ll also end up with fluffy popcorn.
- Avoid cooking for longer. When making a bowl of popcorn, it’s no time to leave the kitchen. You need to be alert and pull the popcorn off the heat if the popping slows to 2 seconds between pops.
- Test a preheated pan using 2 to 3 kernels. Generally, it’s best to test your pan using 2 to 3 kernels to see if they pop. If they pass the pop test, you can proceed with the rest of your kernels.
- Choose fresh and quality kernels. The older the corn, the harder it is to pop due to lack of moisture. If you result in several unpopped kernels, it’s very likely that they’re old.
- Make sure the kernels are in a nice even layer. When the kernels are not on top of each other, there’s room for all the kernels to pop better. Also, they pop nearly all at once, minimizing the likelihood of unpopped and burnt kernels.
- Shake the pot oftenly as you hear the kernels pop. When you shake, the kernels fall to the bottom of the pot, and the popped kernels remain at the top.
Keep in mind, it’s normal to have a few unpopped kernels. Although it’s possible to pop every kernel, it’s important to know when to stop. Unfortunately, there’s a small window of time between perfectly-popped, delicious popcorn and inedible, burnt popcorn.
For more about these and additional tips, here’s a YouTube video to help you get the most out of your ½ cup (64 g) kernels.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the approximate amount of popcorn you should make from a ½ cup (64 g) of kernels is 16 cups (3790 g) popped kernels. However, the exact amount of popped popcorn that results from a ½ cup (64 g) of kernels depends on all the factors listed above.
Be sure to follow the tricks shared in this article so you have a higher chance of yielding near 16 cups (3790 g) or more of popped popcorn. All the best as you make your perfect bowl of popcorn!
