POPPING MYTH DOESN’T HOLD WATER

Microwave popcorn brand Aldi has a tip for achieving a sublime pop: Just preheat a cup of water in the microwave for one minute on high before popping. It’s typed right on the bag and seems simple enough, but is there a kernel of truth to it?

Better Homes & Gardens investigated the technique and found little to no difference in the quality of pop. What’s more, the preheated method produced uneven, somewhat burnt results in one case. “Based on how microwaves work, ‘preheating’ the microwave wouldn’t be very effective as the microwave heats molecules in the food itself,” said Laura Johnson, consumer analyst, research and development at LG Electronics.

The best route to a good pop, she says, is to check the expiration date — the fresher, the better.

Melissa Hank