Instructions

1. Purchase quality popcorn. While you can get good results from store-bought packaged popcorn, if you have the opportunity to buy in bulk from a co-op market, you are more likely to find fresher kernels that will store well.

2. Put the popcorn in an airtight container. Popcorn pops because of the water content inside corn kernels. According to the Popcorn Board, kernels must contain 13.5 to 14 percent moisture in order to pop, and leaving kernels out for just one hot day can cause them to lose one percentage point of moisture--and a few days can render kernels unpoppable.

3. Keep popcorn cool but not too cool. Putting your airtight containers in a cool place like a cupboard or basement will help keep the kernels fresh.

   While some people recommend refrigerating or freezing popcorn kernels, the Popcorn Board advises against it. Refrigerators and freezers are often very dry, and even in a good container, the kernels could lose some of their important moisture content.