Some popcorn is available in cob form, but it's a hard-to-find specialty food. What's False You cannot butter and pop standard or sweetcorn, nor is attempting to make popcorn from an ear of corn safe.

So head down there, pick up ears that have tight, close-fitting husks, and pop them in a pot of boiling water just long enough to warm them up -- five minutes or so. Don't salt the water, but do throw ...