Black Jewell Gourmet Popcorn Kernels, Crimson Red, 28.35 Ounces (Pack of 6)

Anyone who has shopped around for popcorn knows that there is more than one type of popcorn. You would most likely at least know that there is white and yellow popcorn. However once you dig a bit deeper you will find quite a few varieties that differ in several respects For example you can find popcorn that pops big (but might not have as much flavor), or popcorn that pops up round and well suited for kettle corn. There are many other colors of popcorn as well.My search has been to find the best flavor, regardless of the popped kernel size. I am not concerned about how many popped kernels I can count in a handful, I just want the best flavor I can find. What I have found is that major brands seem to think most people are hoping for big popped kernels as the measure of success - and they sell popcorn that is good at that. But - just my opinion - the flavor tends to be a bit underwhelming, and depending on your taste it may be that plenty of stuff needs to be sprinkled and poured on top to compensate.The Black Jewell Crimson corn pops up to smaller popped kernel size, but the flavor is great, even without adding a bunch of stuff to it. There is more flavor, not exactly easy to describe, possibly slightly nutty, but definitely a more flavorful taste.Taste can get complicated of course, since everyone has their own preferences, and this can be impacted quite a bit by how you pop the corn. Not unlike coffee - where the brewing technique can make or break the flavor.I have ended up popping in a pan on the stove using Canola Oil. Put a few kernels in the pan, heat the pan on high heat until one pops, add the rest of the corn (I use a half cup corn for a large bowl for 3 hungry people, 3/4 or 1 cup of kernels for a huge batch). As soon as you add the rest of the corn raise the pan off the burner and agitate for about 30-40 seconds, then back on the burner to pop. Agitate the pan throughout so unpopped kernels fall to the bottom - otherwise they might end up mixed up into the popped corn and not pop. Empty immediately when popping nearly stops - don't over pop - Black Jewell pops almost entirely leaving few if any unpopped kernels.One other suggestion - don't short change the amount of oil. Too little oil and the popped kernels could be a bit tough and chewy. Up the oil just a bit and the popped kernels will be light with a little crunch. Of course too much oil will leave the popped corn tasting a bit oily, so avoid that as well. A little experimentation should lead to a good balance.Also if the pan lid is tight fitting, lift the corner of the pan lid slightly for a second a couple of times to let steam escape during popping - which could otherwise leave the popped corn slightly chewy. However that is an advanced technique and done incorrectly could lead to a spatter or steam burn - so be careful with that.

Cooking

i love this popping corn. it is much cheaper than microwave bags, has great flavor and a light texture, plus there are no shells left after popping.

If you like to regularly make popcorn you owe it to yourself to try Black Jewell. The original Black variety is great because the unpopped kernels won't crack your teeth like traditional popcorn, but it pops really small, so the texture and ability to season it is a bit worse than normal.However, this Crimson one solves that. So you've got the benefit of kernels that still won't crack your teeth, it tastes a bit better than traditional popcorn, and it pops nice and fluffy like you're used to.

I love this popcorn! The actual popcorn, however has really small kernels and does not pop as well. We prefer to purchase the maroon colored popcorn.Taste, hands-down is better than Orville Redenbacher is all the rest

If you prefer huge white fluffy pieces of popcorn you'll be disappointed; but if you like popcorn with a better taste than the typcial variety and don't mind that the kernels are a little smaller you'll really like Crimson Jewell! As the other reviewer said, most of the popcorn kernels pop, but more than that, what hulls are there are literally softer so they don't painfully wedge between your teeth your gum doesn't get cut. Even kernels that are mostly or partially popped can be eaten because they are softer. We're getting ready to order another 6-pack. This has become our favorite popcorn and worth every penny!

In the past I have purchased this popcorn and loved it. this time the kernels do not all pop and I find I am tossing a lot of un-popped kernels away. The flavor is the same but for whatever reason the kernels do not pop as fully as they used to,. SO I am using more popcorn and tossing out a lot of left over kernels. In the past this has never been a problem

So I LOVE BLACK JEWEL popcorn. Have used it for decades. But they were out of it so I bought the red jewel. It doesn’t compare.