A method of popping popcorn in a microwave includes operating an energy source to provide energy to a cooking chamber and detecting, by a microphone sensor, sound waves in the cooking chamber and providing an output signal indicative of the detected sound waves to a control unit. The control unit can determine that the output signal is indicative of a popping sound generated by popcorn kernels popping and control the energy source to stop providing energy to the cooking chamber based on the detected popping sounds.

Popcorn machines having process chambers with variable heating profiles, and associated systems and methods of operation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a popcorn machine includes a tube having an upper tube portion and a lower tube portion. The upper tube portion and the lower tube portion form a circumferential boundary of a tubular process chamber for popping popcorn. A first heating element can be positioned to heat a first heating zone, and a second heating element can be positioned to heat a second heating zone. A first thermocouple can be positioned to measure a temperature at a transition point between the first heating zone and the second heating zone, and a second thermocouple can be positioned to measure a temperature in the second heating zone. A rotatable auger can be positioned at least partially within the tube to move ingredients through the process chamber.

Popcorn machines having process chambers with variable heating profiles, and associated systems and methods of operation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a popcorn machine includes a tube having an upper tube portion and a lower tube portion. The upper tube portion and the lower tube portion form a circumferential boundary of a tubular process chamber for popping popcorn. A first heating element can be positioned to heat a first heating zone, and a second heating element can be positioned to heat a second heating zone. A first thermocouple can be positioned to measure a temperature at a transition point between the first heating zone and the second heating zone, and a second thermocouple can be positioned to measure a temperature in the second heating zone. A rotatable auger can be positioned at least partially within the tube to move ingredients through the process chamber.

A popcorn pot having a curvilinear body providing a paraboloid-shaped cavity for gravitationally concentrating a quantity of un-popped kernels and a depth of oil over a bottom center of the popcorn pot. The curvilinear body provides volumetric containment inside the paraboloid cavity. Integral footing along a lower portion of the popcorn pot stabilizes the curvilinear body over a flat-top heat source so that the bottom center is disposed centrally thereover. The popcorn pot may include a domed lid for covering the opening communicating to the paraboloid-shaped cavity, wherein the lid is adapted to effectuate convection heating within the cavity, thereby providing natural efficiency and universal accessibility with more predictable results than a flat-bottomed pot, while using less oil for healthier results.

A popcorn pot having a curvilinear body providing a paraboloid-shaped cavity for gravitationally concentrating a quantity of un-popped kernels and a depth of oil over a bottom center of the popcorn pot. The curvilinear body provides volumetric containment inside the paraboloid cavity. Integral footing along a lower portion of the popcorn pot stabilizes the curvilinear body over a flat-top heat source so that the bottom center is disposed centrally thereover. The popcorn pot may include a domed lid for covering the opening communicating to the paraboloid-shaped cavity, wherein the lid is adapted to effectuate convection heating within the cavity, thereby providing natural efficiency and universal accessibility with more predictable results than a flat-bottomed pot, while using less oil for healthier results.

A method for making a quick-cook grain or pulse via flat plate compression or gun puffing by controlling the porosity of the grain or pulse. Further, the grain or pulse made in accordance with this invention retains the texture, flavor and appearance of the original grain or pulse.

A method for making a quick-cook grain or pulse via flat plate compression or gun puffing by controlling the porosity of the grain or pulse. Further, the grain or pulse made in accordance with this invention retains the texture, flavor and appearance of the original grain or pulse.

A method of popping popcorn in a microwave having a cooking chamber, an energy source which provides energy to the cooking chamber, a humidity sensor, and a microphone sensor, includes the steps of placing a plurality of popcorn kernels in the cooking chamber. The energy source is operated during a popcorn popping cycle. Popping sounds generated when the popcorn kernels are popped are detected, as is the humidity level in the cooking chamber. The energy source is directed to stop operating when the popping sound and the humidity level satisfy one or more end status indicators. The current disclosure also includes a microwave for carrying out the above described process.

A new delivery/storage method that combines all the necessary elements to make a healthy, optionally flavored cooked popcorn in a solid, shelf-stable unit that transforms on the stove to a bowl of warm popcorn. A solid fat and popcorn kernel mixture is formed into various shapes for cooking. Cocoa butter is tempered and combined with flavorants such as spices or flavored oils, to which popcorn kernels are added to provide a moldable composition. The solid popcorn kernel-containing compositions may be provided having various shapes and sizes such as balls, spheres, spherical/conical sections, disks, columns, and the like, which are readily transported and handled at room temperature for use in preparation of popcorn by cooking and consumption of popcorn after cooking.

A new delivery/storage method that combines all the necessary elements to make a healthy, optionally flavored cooked popcorn in a solid, shelf-stable unit that transforms on the stove to a bowl of warm popcorn. A solid fat and popcorn kernel mixture is formed into various shapes for cooking. Cocoa butter is tempered and combined with flavorants such as spices or flavored oils, to which popcorn kernels are added to provide a moldable composition. The solid popcorn kernel-containing compositions may be provided having various shapes and sizes such as balls, spheres, spherical/conical sections, disks, columns, and the like, which are readily transported and handled at room temperature for use in preparation of popcorn by cooking and consumption of popcorn after cooking.