Buttermilk Powder: The Ultimate Popcorn Coating?

Powdered buttermilk is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, including popcorn. It adds a tangy, creamy taste to the snack and can be combined with other seasonings to create unique flavour profiles. When making popcorn, powdered buttermilk is typically mixed with melted butter and sprinkled over freshly popped kernels, enhancing the flavour and providing a delicious coating. This method of using powdered buttermilk on popcorn is a creative way to enjoy a classic snack with a tangy twist.

Popcorn coating methods

Popcorn is a great snack, and you can coat it in a variety of ways to add flavour. Here are some methods for coating your popcorn:

Using Oil or Butter

Coating your popcorn in oil or butter is a great way to make it sticky so that seasonings adhere to it. You can use any kind of oil, such as olive oil, melted coconut oil, or avocado oil. Melted butter is another popular option, but be aware that normal butter will burn if you try to cook the kernels in it. Instead, you can use clarified butter, which has been melted and simmered until the water evaporates, leaving pure butter fat. This has a higher smoke point and won't make your popcorn soggy. You can also use store-bought ghee, which is the same as clarified butter.

When coating your popcorn in oil or butter, it's important not to use too much, or your popcorn will become soggy. A ratio of 1/2 teaspoon of oil for every 1/4 cup of kernels is recommended. You can coat the kernels before popping, or you can mist your cooked popcorn with oil using a spray bottle. If you don't have a spray bottle, you can try coating a large bowl with a mixture of oil and your seasoning, and then tossing the popcorn in the bowl.

Using Other Liquids

If you don't want to use oil or butter, you can try using other liquids to make your popcorn sticky. Options include water (or saltwater), soy sauce, lime juice, vinegar, or pineapple juice. You can spritz or mist these onto your cooked popcorn, or steam the popcorn by placing it in a colander over a pan of boiling water and tossing it until it's evenly coated.

Adding Seasonings

To ensure your seasonings stick to the popcorn, grind them into a fine powder. You can buy ready-made popcorn salt, or look for brining salt. There are also pre-made popcorn seasonings available in a variety of flavours, such as caramel corn and cheesy jalapeno. Alternatively, you can grind your own seasonings using a spice grinder, food processor, or mortar and pestle. Add your seasonings while the popcorn is still hot, as the residual steam will help them stick. You can toss the hot popcorn with the seasoning in a paper bag, or simply sprinkle the seasoning on and toss.

Making Sweet Popcorn

To make sweet popcorn, you can make a sauce by combining butter, golden syrup, and brown sugar in a saucepan over low heat. Once the butter and sugar have melted and the ingredients are combined, turn off the heat and add your popped corn. Stir or shake until the popcorn is coated, and break apart with your hands if it sticks together as it cools.

Powdered buttermilk vs liquid buttermilk

Powdered buttermilk is a dehydrated form of traditional buttermilk, which is the liquid leftover from churning butter. The process of dehydration reduces the liquid content of buttermilk to around 3%, resulting in a fine powder. This powder has a long shelf life, typically between 9 to 12 months, as the low moisture content makes it difficult for bacteria to grow. This is one of the main advantages of powdered buttermilk over its liquid counterpart, as you can store it in your pantry without worrying about it going bad.

When it comes to usage, powdered buttermilk can be a perfect substitute for liquid buttermilk in most recipes. For baking goods such as biscuits, cakes, and pancakes, powdered buttermilk performs equally well as liquid buttermilk, adding flavour, tenderness, and richness. It can also be used in sauces and soups, providing the same texture, taste, and creaminess as liquid buttermilk. However, it is important to note that powdered buttermilk is intended for cooking and not for drinking, as the reconstituted texture may be unpleasant.

To use powdered buttermilk in baking, you can either add it directly to your dry ingredients or reconstitute it first. For reconstitution, mix one tablespoon of powdered buttermilk with 1/2 cup of water, stir well, and let it sit for a few minutes. This reconstituted buttermilk can then be used as a 1:1 substitute for liquid buttermilk in any recipe.

Powdered buttermilk also has some unique advantages over liquid buttermilk. Firstly, it is more cost-effective as it is concentrated, and you only need a small amount to make a substantial amount of liquid buttermilk. Secondly, it can be used as a flavouring and coating agent for fried foods, such as chicken, adding a nice crunch and flavour. Additionally, it serves as an excellent emulsifying agent, helping to combine oil and water in recipes like sauces and dressings.

In summary, powdered buttermilk is a versatile and convenient alternative to liquid buttermilk, offering a long shelf life, ease of storage, and equivalent functionality in most recipes. It is a valuable ingredient to have on hand, especially for those who use buttermilk infrequently and want to avoid waste.

Shelf life of powdered buttermilk

Powdered buttermilk is a great alternative to liquid buttermilk, which only lasts for a week or two in the refrigerator. Powdered buttermilk is made by heating and dehydrating real buttermilk, making it shelf-stable. This means you don't have to worry about wasting leftover buttermilk or making room in the freezer.

The shelf life of powdered buttermilk is quite long. Unopened, it can be stored at room temperature and will last for about 3 to 5 years. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and will last for about 1 year. Storing it in an airtight container will help to extend its life.

Powdered buttermilk is perfect for baked goods, buttermilk fried chicken, pancakes, biscuits, and salad dressings. When using it in baking, simply follow the package instructions for reconstitution or add the powder to your dry ingredients and the water to your wet ingredients. The ratio is typically one part powder to four parts water.

In addition to its long shelf life, powdered buttermilk is also convenient as you can prepare only the amount you need for a recipe, avoiding waste. So, if you're looking to limit your grocery bill and reduce waste, powdered buttermilk is a great option to consider!

Other uses of powdered buttermilk

Powdered buttermilk is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes and dishes. Here are some ideas for using powdered buttermilk:

Baking

Powdered buttermilk is a convenient substitute for liquid buttermilk in baking recipes. It reacts with other ingredients, especially baking soda, to create light and tender baked goods. Use it in recipes for buttermilk pancakes, biscuits, pound cake, or fried chicken dredge. When baking with powdered buttermilk, mix it into the dry ingredients, and add extra water to the wet ingredients. The general ratio is 1/4 cup of powdered buttermilk for every 1 cup of liquid buttermilk.

Popcorn

For a flavourful snack, sprinkle powdered buttermilk on freshly popped popcorn. Mix it with salt and onion powder for an extra kick.

Dips and Sauces

Add powdered buttermilk to creamy dips and sauces to enhance their flavour without thinning them down. Try it in ranch dressing, creamy veggie dips, or caesar dressing. You can also add it to store-bought dips like sour cream and onion dip for a more intense flavour.

Casseroles and Quiches

Whisk a tablespoon or two of powdered buttermilk into the liquid before baking casseroles or quiches. It will add depth of flavour and make the dish more tender, especially if you're adding meat like chicken.

Mashed Potatoes

Powdered buttermilk can add a rich, tangy flavour to mashed potatoes. Dissolve a few spoonfuls of the powder in warm water or milk, and use this liquid to make mashed potatoes. Adjust the amount of powdered buttermilk to your taste preference.

Coffee

For a bright and creamy addition to your morning coffee, whisk in some powdered buttermilk. It also adds protein to your coffee, making it a nutritious way to start your day. If you like flavoured creamer, add a few drops of vanilla extract and a spoonful of sugar.

Glaze and Frosting

Powdered buttermilk can be whisked into glazes and frostings to add a tangy twist to sweet desserts. Try it with fruit scones, tarts, vanilla cake, or sugar cookies.

Popcorn seasoning ideas

Popcorn is a versatile snack that can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for savoury and sweet popcorn seasonings that you can easily make at home:

Savoury Seasonings:

• Ranch: Combine dried dill, dried chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Dorito: Mix nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt.
• Taco: Combine taco seasoning and nutritional yeast.
• Coconut Curry: Mix unsweetened shredded coconut, curry powder, and salt.
• Parmesan: Toss popcorn with melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and grated parmesan cheese.
• Cheesy Spicy: Combine melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder.
• Oregano Basil Herb: Mix melted butter, oregano, basil, and other herbs of your choice.
• Buttermilk Ranch: Toss popcorn with melted butter, powdered buttermilk, dried dill, kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Sweet Seasonings:

• Cinnamon Sugar: Mix powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
• Gingerbread Spice: Combine powdered sugar, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and ground cloves.
• Mexican Chocolate: Mix unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and cayenne pepper.

Tips for Making the Seasonings Stick:

• Use butter or cooking oil (such as coconut oil, avocado oil, or olive oil) to help the seasonings adhere to the popcorn.
• For sweet recipes, use powdered sugar instead of regular sugar to ensure even coating.
• Toss the popcorn with the oil or butter first, then sprinkle on your chosen seasoning, and toss again to coat evenly.

Frequently asked questions