Introduction: Popped Milo

Everyone knows the classic snack of popped corn but did you know you can make popped milo? Have you ever heard of Milo? Milo is also known as sorghum. Its commonly grown around the world. If you're curious to know more, check out this link to Wikipedia's page about it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorghum

Materials you will need:

  • Milo (talk to farmers at your local farmers market if you don't have access to any or buy some online)
  • Popcorn popper
  • Oil and tablespoon
  • Strainer

If you buy your milo online, skip to step 3. Popping milo

Step 1: Collecting Milo

Collect a couple heads of milo from a neighbors or farmers field, with permission of course.

If you can't get fresh milo, you can order some from amazon (be sure to search sorghum not milo!)

Take the head of milo and run it through your fingers to dislodge the little reddish/brown kernels. Do this until you have removed all the kernels and collected them.

Step 2: Clean Milo

Take the milo kernels and put them into a strainer with small holes (smaller than the kernels). Shake it to remove any dust, leaves or anything else that might be in your milo. You may need to pick out larger portions of stem with your hands. Once you have removed all the junk from the milo, you can rinse it with water to wash of any remaining small particulates. Allow the milo to dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Popping Milo

Place cleaned milo in the popcorn popper. 1/4 c. of milo kernels makes approximately 1 c. of popped milo. After adding the milo, add 1 tbsp of oil. We used vegetable but you can replace it with coconut oil for a little healthier and sweeter snack. Turn on the popcorn popper and allow milo to pop.

** This step can be done on the stove top with just a pot. for this method, follow these steps:

1. add 1 tablespoon of oil in the bottom of the pot.

2. place 2-3 kernels of milo in the oil, put the lid on the pot and place pot on burner.

3. Once the few milo kernels pop in the hot oil, remove the lid and add the remaining milo that you wish to pop. Replace the lid

4. As the milo begins to pop, shake the pot every couple of seconds to prevent the popped milo from burning.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Once you stop hearing the milo pop, turn off the popcorn popper.* Put the freshly popped milo into a bowl and added desired seasonings.

Milo is sweeter than corn so taste test it first before you get too crazy with flavorings! Also, fun fact, the "old maids" in milo are still very edible, unlike popcorn. They are crunchy and delicious so don't throw them out!

*if doing on stove top in a pan, remove from the burner