popcorn in grain

popcorn in grain is the raw popcorn kernel, bought by people who want to pop corn at home instead of buying ready-made bags. By our assessment, the big advantage is control: the kernels are cheap to store, and the result can be salted, sweetened, or buttered after popping. The downside is that the value only appears if someone actually pops it, because in grain form it is just a dry pantry staple. In practice it is one of the simplest kitchen items around, but it still needs heat and attention so the kernels do not scorch. It sits under snack foods, yet it is really a cooking ingredient until the last minute. This makes sense for people who like a plain base they can season themselves, and less sense for anyone who wants an instant ready snack with no pan or microwave.