Our homegrown popcorn

Last week one day we decided some of our ears of homegrown popcorn looked dry enough to try. Mara removed the kernels from the cob and we were ready to try it out. The first attempt was in the air popper but they were so light (because they are miniature) that they just flew right out. So we decided to do it in a pan on the stove. I love the taste of it this way anyway.

 We put them in some hot oil in the pan and put the lid on. Pretty soon the popping began. I shook the pan while it just popped and popped. I was quite excited. It was working wonderfully.

Or so I thought...
When the popping ceased I open the pan up to find this:

Not very much had truly popped the way it is supposed to. Most of it was still little kernels. However the kernels were nice and tender (not like your normal "old maids") and we really enjoyed eating them. The two youngest kids especially loved them. So all was not lost.

  I still am not sure whether they just hadn't matured enough in the garden or if they weren't dry enough. I guess I should do some research. Or do you know?