Make the Perfect Bread – Here’s How the Falling Number Test Works

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Do you have trouble making the perfect bread at home? If you are using the incorrect flour, you will never get that delicious soft bread you’ve always dreamt of. Here are some ways to use science and the falling number test to figure out which flour to use to make the perfect bread!

Make this rosemary bread! Recipe was featured here.

The Falling Number (FN) test measures enzyme activity in flour. This is related to the alpha-amylase (AA) cereal enzyme, which is found in wheat after harvesting. FN measures the amount and activity of alpha-amylase in flour samples. Why is it important to measure this, and how does the Falling Number test work?

The Effects of AA in Grain

A certain amount of alpha-amylase is important in ensuring proper baking happens, because AA breaks down starches, which provides sugars that fuel fermentation processes. With the right amount of AA activity, you can achieve a high volume of bread that has the right firm and soft texture combination. If the level of alpha-amylase is high, there will be a greater formation of dextrins during the breadmaking process. The resulting dough will be sticky and harder to manage, producing a lower volume.

On the other hand, if AA activity is too low, then the result is likely to be a dry breadcrumb, also with a lower volume.

What is the FN Test?

Developed in Sweden, the Falling Number test transforms a flour sample into a gravy-like substance, by combining it with hot water. It then uses a falling paddle to test how thick this substance stays over a given time period, measured in seconds. The FN time is the time it takes to mix the substance and for the paddle to fall through the gelatinised starch in the mixture. Where there is high enzyme activity, this breaks the starch down rapidly, with the paddle device falling through the mixture in a relatively short time.

Essentially, it is a risk management tool. If FN is below 300 seconds, it significantly increases the chances of the AA enzymes being active. Grain with high AA activity, where low falling numbers are shown, may not produce good quality products.

Knowing Your Falling Numbers

You can also use the Falling Number test to bake products with specific or desired FN values. For example, flours used in bread baking will have different FN values to flours used for other products, such as crackers or biscuits. FN values over 250 seconds are most suitable for bread baking processes, whereas falling numbers over 350 seconds may mean that the flour will require supplementing with malted grain or a form of amylolytic enzyme.

What Influences Falling Numbers?

There can be several reasons for lower falling numbers, and correspondingly high amounts of AA activity in flour. Fluctuations in precipitation and temperature can affect wheat harvests. Unpredictable weather patterns can result in pre-harvest sprouting, initiating germination that turns wheat from green to gold. Large temperature increases or decreases can lead to late maturity alpha-amylase during grain maturation. 

The Benefits of the FN Test

FN can test for:

  • Activity of enzymes in wheat flour
  • Damage to wheat kernels from sprouting
  • Water-binding capacity and water absorption
  • Dough-handling issues
  • Different flour specifications.

Calibre Control provides expert Falling Number testing equipment, including the Perten Falling Number 1000 and the Falling Number 1310. For more information, please get in touch on +44 (0) 1925 860 401, or email info@calibrecontrol.com

Tips to Earn Money by Starting Your Own Home Bakery Business to Repay Your Existing Debts

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Starting your own home bakery business is a great way to earn some extra cash on the side. Here’s how!

Photo via: Wesrch.com

We have witnessed how just a few years back the cupcake business had gained phenomenal popularity and was a darling story of the media. We know that popular television series like 2 Broke Girls trying to start a cupcake venture to earn their living, and many such television shows often featured cupcakes and one could see the emergence of the era of the entrepreneurial bakers.

We could see how new startups, home-based businesses, and even existing businesses turned to cupcake production. However, thanks to market saturation and overexposure, the cupcake craze did subside gradually; there is still scope for home bakers to start their own bakery business as a side business to boost their overall income. You simply cannot ignore the fact that bakeries surely are a staple in practically all neighborhoods in the United States. They are the most favorite destination for holiday pies, birthday cakes, and other mouth-watering delights for satisfying people’s sugar craving.

However, starting a bakery could be an expensive proposition since you need to secure a lease and maintain a stock of premium-quality ingredients. Moreover, you need to employ the services of a helper or two and buy or lease commercial baking equipment. With that in mind, it might be wise to consider using a free budget template to give you a better idea on what you can expect to spend each month. According to Entrepreneur, bakery startup expenses could generally be ranging from at least, $10,000 to $50,000. There are over 6,000 retail bakeries across the United States of America with approximately $3.8 billion in terms of total annual revenue.  

You too could start your home bakery; however, first of all, you need to ensure that it is legal to run a home bakery in your state. Find out if it is okay to go about selling home-baked products. The regulations surrounding the bakery industry are known as cottage food laws. These regulations could vary from one state to another. You must follow all the necessary rules and regulations. You may need to take out a work permit or license. If you plan your bakery business well, you could earn enough additional income to pay off your existing debt. A bakery business seems to do pretty well since custom orders are very much in vogue around the holiday season when most of the people seem to be extremely busy with celebrations and other activities and are not getting enough time to bake. Cookies and cheesecakes are very much in demand during the holiday season.

As per https://www.forbes.com, moms aspiring to be an entrepreneur could consider opening a small business and go about selling cupcakes at the nearest markets, or even out of food trucks, or even take loans to start their store. Many moms start their bakery business to earn enough additional income to stay on top of their debts. For professional debt relief assistance, you could browse through reputed sites such as NationaldebtRelief.com.

Let us explore some expert tips to make your bakery a huge success.

Share Pictures on Social Media

Many successful bakers started posting pictures of their enticing products on Facebook and Instagram and their baking business went off to a flying start. Most of them are having a flourishing side business. Visually-oriented social media platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram provide a brilliant platform for showcasing your mouth-watering creations. You must invest some time and some money in high-quality photography. High-resolution pictures of all your yummy treats make your unique creations get a polished and a pro look.

Come Up with a Signature Item

Experts believe that a signature product particularly-if the item is mainly holiday-themed would help in establishing you in your customers’ minds. You would soon find a niche for yourself in the bakery industry. If you create something special on the occasion of Thanksgiving, your customers would remember to come back to you to buy your signature dessert for Thanksgiving. Your customers would know precisely who to get in touch with when they are looking for that signature dish.

Distribute Your Business Cards

You must print some business cards even before rolling out your home bakery. While getting your business cards printed, you must make sure that your business card contains all the necessary information. It must have multiple contact information such as email ID, telephone number, and even your address. You must remember to highlight your product specifics that would surely make it stand out from the rest, for instance, themed cakes, gluten-free cupcakes, etc. You must go about distributing your business cards in person. Moreover, remember to leave a few extra business cards while delivering your creations to different customers so that they know where to locate you the next time they are in a mood for those delectable treats.

Focus on Networking with Other Bakers

Try to locate other bakers doing business in your area. Treat them as your friends and not just competition. A local group on Facebook or an Instagram group could help in providing you with the right information and the right contacts so that you could get the best possible deals on your supplies. Moreover, when somebody is extremely busy and cannot take an order, he or she could offer referrals to each other.

Offer Free Samples

Everybody enjoys having a free cake. So you must make it a point to flaunt your baking skills simply by sharing some free samples of your yummy treats with your potential customers. Experts recommend dropping off some free samples at all those places where you have some contacts like your doctor’s or dentist’s office, your church, knitting group, or book club, etc. You must go to such places where you have some contacts or connections. There is no point in dropping free samples at random places.

Conclusion

You must develop a lot of determination and tenacity. You must not get daunted by failures. When you start a bakery business, you may have to go through a few burnt cakes or cookies but that should not discourage you. You must treat such episodes as learning experiences. You must have the right mindset and must display calm and patience against all odds. You must realize that the success of your business depends on superlative creations and word-of-mouth. You must focus on producing yummy treats, providing superlative customer service, and go about everybody you know that you have started a baking business.

Best Lender Tips for Bakery Business Women Entrepreneurs

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According to an article published on https://www.huffpost.com, an increasing number of women are operating their small businesses like bakery and cake shops.

Photo via: Secretldn.com

The major challenge is financing because traditional banks usually do not lend small-value loans. They are interested in lending bigger amounts. Then, there is nothing to worry because many lending institutions work with women entrepreneurs and help in funding their businesses.

Women usually intimated by the problems related to financing worry about procuring the money for their bakery, starting the cake shop, and then expanding it. According to online lenders, reaching out to family members or friends for funding does not help much and savings are not enough to start a new bakery store in a posh, strategic location. However, there are many lenders online offering small business loans to women entrepreneurs.

Lending companies and financial institutions see modern women as capable entrepreneurs and eager to lend additional business funds for running a bakery shop.

Based on the findings of the US Department of Labor as well as the National Association of Women Business Owners, you will find over 9.4 million businesses owned by women as of 2015, and these women help in generating 7.9 million jobs creating whopping sales of $1.5 trillion. With this data in mind, here some of the best tips from lenders for bakery-shop women entrepreneurs:

The bakery should have a separate entity

The cake or bakery store must have a separate entity from the entrepreneur’s personal financial portfolio. The lenders recommend that women business owners should have a formal store name, commercial bank account from the first day, and a tax identification number. These things matter for starting a bakery business. The loan approval process becomes simple and hassle-free. Once all documentation and protocols are followed in the right way, it becomes easier for online lenders to approve a business loan and that too quickly.

Motivation and support from lenders

Today, modern lenders do not work like traditional banks. On the contrary, they encourage bakery business owners to opt for educational opportunities as well as resources to learn more about small business loans for bakery or cake shops.

Lenders provide all financial counseling and support to women entrepreneurs, who need to start a small bakery store. It will help business owners understand how the lending process works and what they need to get an instant loan approval without unnecessary delay. Lenders also offer tips and ideas for women entrepreneurs looking for bakery shop loans.

More lending options

The lenders recommend that bakery store owners get their business approved as a women-owned enterprise. They should consult with the Small Business Administration for assistance to become certified as women entrepreneurs. This way, lenders online can offer additional loan options to operate women-owned bakery shop. After all, who does not want good funding options for small businesses like a bakery?

Financial reports matters

The lenders today recommend that bakery shop owners must run all financial reports regularly highlighting their incomes and expenses, profit and loss, write-offs, outstanding receivables, paid taxes, and taxable earnings. That is because lenders will ask for these details when entrepreneurs apply for a bakery business loan.

The lenders are eager to help and finance women entrepreneurs who want to start their business. They should cooperate with the lending companies to make the loan approval process sail smooth. Women business owners should visit platforms like Libertylending.com to understand how they can take out a small loan for their bakery shop.

Lenders will ask for credit score

The lenders encourage women entrepreneurs, who check their business reports regularly with regard to the credit rating and payment history. The online lending companies recommend that you check your credit score from the three credit reporting bodies because the rating may vary sometimes.

When women entrepreneurs know where their credit score stands and it is a good score, they will get the best interest rates for the loan applied for their bakery business. With a favorable rate of interest, it would be easier for small business owners to fund their startup once the loan is approved. The lenders will ask for the payment history and credit score when considering small business loans for a bakery.

Lenders recommend exploring small business loan programs

Lenders suggest that women small-business entrepreneurs should take some time out of their busy schedule and look for reputed lenders online and loan programs. The women entrepreneurs must look at genuine customer reviews and then choose a lender to fund their bakery shop.

There are multiple options than one could think of as well as working capital loan options for bakery businesses. These little things matter a lot when funding a small business. Today, lenders also offer factoring programs to fund small businesses like bakery or cake shops. The options are multiple and one needs to pick the best one that suits their business requirements.

Online lenders allow flexible repayment terms

The best thing about online lenders today is that they offer flexible repayment terms for women planning to start their bakery business. It will help them pay off the borrowed amount on time without fail, thus improving their credit rating.

According to reputed lenders online, once business owners pay on time and have a healthy credit score, they can opt for high-value loans to expand their bakery shop in the future. Women entrepreneurs will also get different loan options in the days to come.

Loan experts help to choose the best loan program

The financial experts associated with these lending companies have the knowledge and experience to understand the available lending options for women entrepreneurs. The lenders will help bakery shop owners to choose the right loan program that best fits your funding needs.

Conclusion

The good news is that today many bakery shop owners, who are women, can obtain a small loan in different ways. Even if they have a poor credit score, the lenders have financial experts to offer advice as to how should they work on the score to become eligible for a small business bakery loan. Moreover, lenders and Fintechs trust women and their abilities as business owners.

How to Eliminate Unpleasant Odors from Your Kitchen Carpet?

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If there are carpets in your home especially in your kitchen, then you probably already have faced a very common problem – an obsessive bad smell. A musty smell haunts you throughout the house and does not allow you to relax. The way out of this very unpleasant situation can be carpet cleaning.

There are many methods to clean a carpet at home. In this case, you must follow the following rules:

  • Use only soft bristles during cleaning;
  • Exclude penetration of a large amount of liquid on the pile. It could ruin it;
  • Never rub the coating against the direction of the pile;
  • Let the carpet dry before using. Open windows to speed up the drying process;
  • Do not use high temperature water for carpet cleaning.

Cooking salt will help you remove the repelling smell from the carpet. At home, this method is very easy to apply. It is only required to scatter it evenly over the area of ​​the carpet, and wait for a while. Then remove everything with a whisk and vacuum. If necessary, this cleaning procedure can be repeated. The same can be done with used raw tealeaves or sawdust. The broom needs to be moistened in a mild soapy solution – 1 teaspoon of grated soap in 1 liter of water.

Starch powder and ground soap are also used for coping with bad carpet odors. All you have to do is spreading 0.5 kg of starch and 3 tablespoons of soap over the area of the carpet and level with a brush with soft bristles or a broom, and carefully vacuum after 40 minutes. You can remove an unpleasant odor with a mixture of sodium chloride and citric acid. Mix one part of salt and two parts of citric acid and clean with a soft brush in the direction of the pile. Then sweep away excess and vacuum.

Baking soda for removing odors

Soda will help not only to remove the musty smell, but also to revive the color of the carpet. Baking soda should be evenly sprinkled on a rug and cleaned with a soft brush. Then sweep away residues and vacuum. Besides all the described methods, you can try wet carpet cleaning procedure. What you need to do? Dissolve 1/2 cup of soda in 5 liters of warm water and use a spray bottle to spray the composition onto the carpet. After half an hour, vacuum the carpet and enjoy the cleanliness.

Turpentine odor removal

For this method, we need a weak solution of laundry soap (0.5 teaspoon of ground soap per 1 liter of water). Pour 1 teaspoon of turpentine into the solution with soap and carefully stir. We put the resulting solution on the carpet, wipe it with a damp, and then with dry rags. Dry thoroughly, preferably in suspension.

How to remove odor, using ammonia?

This technique may not be used with all carpets. Before proceeding with the removal of odors in this way, conduct a test: take a light-colored cotton cloth and moisten it with the composition. In an inconspicuous place, attach to the rug and rub lightly. The fabric should remain clean. If this happened, then you can use the product without a doubt, if the fabric sheds, then this solution should not be used. The cleaning mixture consists of 2 tablespoons of ammonia per 1 liter of water. Later, the carpet needs to dry well.

Acetic solution – effective method for coping wet bad carpet odors

Acetic solution can also remove the smell and update the colors on the rug. It is prepared very easily – you need to take a liter of heated water and combine it with a tablespoon of vinegar. Dampen the brush in this solution and rub the coating in the direction of the pile. Wait 30 minutes, pat the carpet with a sponge or soft cloth and vacuum.

Special solutions for carpet cleaning

If possible, you should go to the store and get acquainted with a variety of liquids for cleaning carpets. Modern products are not only an effective, but also a safe way to remove unpleasant odors at home. For each such product, there is a simple instruction for use. If you follow the directions on the packaging, you will surely get a good result. Also, before using the product, we advise you to conduct a test, which is described in the ammonia method.

If you want to get some professional help in coping with repelling carpet odors, you should contact ProLux Carpet Cleaning – the most highly-trusted cleaning company in London!

Baked Recipe Ideas For Your Electric Smoker

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Baking with an electric smoker can be just as fun and as rewarding as using a conventional oven. These best electric smoker reviews include the top brands that are suitable for smoking as well as baking!

If you already own a quality electric smoker, the baked recipes that follow are a great place to start trying something other than smoked salmon! With an electric smoker you have so many options to air fry, sear, roast, bake and sauté many different kinds of recipes! Keep reading to see our favorite recipes!

1. BAKED PEANUT BUTTER PIE

  • Prep Time: 20mn
  • Cooking Time: 20mn
  • Serves: 8 – 12

Move over s’mores lovers! This Smoked baked peanut butter dessert by Amanda Haas can be done either right in your electric smoker or on your grill. A steady fire at 350 degrees fahrenheit with the door sealed will ensure your recipe comes out just right!

2. BAKED PIZZA

  • Prep Time: 30mn
  • Cooking Time: 1hr, 30mn
  • Serves: 6 – 8

Wood-fired pizza is a classic Italian recipe that can be easily transferred to an electric smoker. Hickory or maple wood chips can add a touch of sweet smoky goodness to pepperoni, ham pr bacon toppings as well.

Use your own homemade dough recipe or purchase your favorite brand of prepared pizza dough to save time in this recipe by Kristi Croddy.

3. Baked Potatoes

  • Prep Time: 20mn
  • Cooking Time: 1hr

The great thing about baked potatoes is that they are infinitely versatile. Add just about any topping you like, your electric smoker can turn out delicious baked potatoes with that smoked wood flavor.

Salt, pepper, butter, potatoes and some flavored wood chips (hickory, oak, pecan), along with your favorite meat or vegetables and sauce, are all you need to give your baked potatoes some zest. Watch this helpful YouTube video by the Typical Family to learn how to bake potatoes in an electric smoker.

VIDEO LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QafbtJaKPY

4. BAKED APPLE COBBLER

  • Prep Time: 30 – 40mn
  • Cooking Time: 20mn
  • Serves: 6 – 8

Suitable for either your grill or electric smoker, this apple cobbler recipe from the Food Network draws on traditional ingredients, but adds that fruity smoky flavor produced by apple wood chips. Besides your smoker, you’ll need a quality, oven-friendly skillet as well.

Topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and strawberries, this classic dessert is a sure winner at any outdoor gathering.

5. BAKED BEANS (BAKED)

  • Prep Time: 15mn
  • Cooking Time: 1hr
  • Serves: Up to 8

Texas style baked beans are an American classic, and a great side dish that can be served alongside pork, poultry or beef. Pecan or hickory wood chips will add extra savoriness to your beans. Add some bacon, cook low and slow for about an hour, then serve with salad and meat for a satisfying smoked meal!

6. GLUTEN-FREE BAKED MACARONI AND SMOKED HAM 

  • Prep Time: 20 mn
  • Cooking Time: Approximately 30mn.
  • Serves: 4 – 6

Turn boring old mac & cheese into a savory dish that excites your taste buds! Adapted from a recipe by Boar’s Head, suppliers of delicatessen meat, this gluten-free recipe is fairly simple and can be completed within an hour. Use maple wood chips for extra flavoring.

The earthy, aromatic flavoring of blanc grue combines with well-aged and cured vermont cheddar to give your macaroni added texturing and creaminess. Gluten-free macaroni is widely available and fairly inexpensive. If you’re not used to gluten-free baking, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

Bake this dish in a conventional oven or in your electric smoker in a 9” x 13” oven-friendly casserole dish at a steady 375 degrees fahrenheit for optimum results.

Finding the right electric smoker can really make the difference in delivering mouth watering meals you cook yourself. Take the time to get familiar with your smoker, and it never hurts to check out the newest models on the market.

Thankfully there are lots of choices, and don’t forget the important of choosing your woodchips! Beginners can check out these tips for selecting the right wood chips for their electric smoker, as any pro will tell you, the right wood chips can really make or break a brisket!

Give your baked recipes a try with the smoker and see what amazing combinations you can come up with!

6 Food Station Ideas for Your Next Corporate Event

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Corporate events are usually social gatherings sponsored or funded by companies and businesses. They’re mainly held to boost the company name and create more business connections and marketing networks. This is the reason why firms spend so much on venue and food to showcase a corporate event.

In these gatherings, food arrangements and offerings almost always take the center stage. Food presentations have become more elaborate and eye-catching as people’s taste buds get picky. That’s why food preparations for corporate events have become more and more challenging.

If you have an upcoming corporate event, you may be looking for food ideas that will make it more interesting and memorable. The best corporate catering services in the business now offer a number of interesting food station options that will add a bit of fun to any event. Get your guests up and excited to eat with these six great food station ideas.

1. Cheese, Meats, and Crudités

Everyone loves a good cheese and meat board to pick and choose from. Sources are plenty if you talk about cheese, like ordering it from The Chuckling Cheese Company or from your long-time favorite cheesemaker. In your cheese and meat board preparation, you can have cold cuts delight to complement your cheese. Add in crudités with dips like hummus, baba ganoush, and pimento cheese and you got yourself a trifecta of goodness.

Cheeses to include: Smoked Cheddar, Goat Cheese, Irish Porter, Red Leicester, Sage Derby, Port Win

Pair with: Seasonal Fruits, Jams, Baguettes, Crisps

Meat selections: Prosciutto, Chorizo Sausage, Capicolla, Salami, Serrano Ham, Mortadella, Soppressata

Pair with: Olives, Pickles, Mustard, Cheddar Herb Focaccia, Seed Crisps

Crudités to serve: Sliced Carrot, Beetroot, Bell pepper, Asparagus, Cucumber, Radish

Pair with: Jalapeno and Cheese Dip, Blue Cheese Dip, Ranch Yogurt Dip

2. Asian Inspired

Both traditional and fusion Asian cuisines are popular choices for food stations. The combination of exotic flavors is a gratifying treat to the palate. With a healthy smoothie and fruit juices to pair it with, your choice of great food is ready for a great party. Choose one or more of these delicious options:

  • Dumplings (chicken, shrimp, or mushroom)
  • Coconut Green Curry Chow Mein
  • Ginger Chili Kimchi Friend Rice
  • Albacore Tuna Tataki
  • Fried Chicken Bao Steamed Bum

3. Street Food

In the past couple of years street food has become a favourite of foodies worldwide. Add a little fun to your event with these mouth-watering options:

  • Spicy Chorizo Taco with roasted pineapple and pickled shallow slaw
  • Philly Cheese Steak on a sesame brioche
  • Chicken or Falafel Shawarma Laffa
  • Gnocchi Poutine with beef cheek ragu and pickled jalapeños
  • Street Corn Salad with roasted chilis and lime crema

4. Liquid Nitrogen Sorbet Bar

Dessert is where you can really have some fun. Liquid nitrogen creates plumes of cold smoke that will wow guests and keep them entertained. Your caterer should be professionally trained to handle the nitrogen. Some sorbet options to consider:

  • Mango Lime
  • Raspberry
  • Toasted Coconut
  • Grapefruit Rosemary
  • Mint Chocolate

5. Concession Stand

Depending on the theme of your event, a concession stand that offers treats like the ones you get from movie theatres could be a great choice. Include these yummy items to maximize the effect:

  • Salted caramel popcorn
  • Cotton Candy
  • Sprinkle Doughnuts with vanilla butter glaze
  • Assorted Candies like sours and gummies, pretzels, and M&Ms

6. Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches

If you’re corporate event takes place outside or is summer-themed, consider serving up ice cream cookie sandwiches to help your guests cool off. They’re also extremely delicious and long-time favourites. Here are some tried-and-true cookie flavours:

  • Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip with spiced chocolate ice cream
  • Salted Butter with popcorn ice cream
  • Double Chocolate with vanilla bean cheesecake ice cream
  • Ginger Molasses with salted caramel ice cream
  • White Chocolate and Walnut with berry cheesecake ice cream

More to Discover

An expert corporate caterer will be able to work with you to come up with creative food station ideas that will go well with your event.  Your food station must look great, but the food must be beyond compare. Preparing never-tasted-before finger foods for your food stations will leave a good impression on your guests and future consumers.

There are more food choices to discover, making them more unique and healthier every time. The best in the business will be able to use locally sourced ingredients to create amazing meals that leave your guests more than satisfied.

Your corporate event will become the talk of your business circle for a long while. Not only will your food and the station’s creativity be remembered, but your business name and what you do will always be linked together.

How To Clean A Popcorn Machine

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Whether it’s a movie night at your best friend’s house or a PlayStation championship at your boyfriend’s place, popcorn is one of the best and go-to snacks to munch on!

Being a big popcorn-eating country, it is no wonder that popcorn business is booming and popcorn stalls are no longer confined at the movie entrances.

If you are an owner of a popcorn stall, you have to ensure that your machines are well-maintained at cleaned. These babies are not cheap, and as an entrepreneur, you have to protect your investment. Here are a few tips on how to ensure the cleanliness of your popcorn machine, so that there’s no stopping’ your poppin’ business.

Before anything else, unplug. 

Unplugging your machine is essential so as to prevent any incident that might result in electrocution. 

Rest for 30 minutes to an hour. 

Allow the machine to rest for a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes. Remember that the temperature of the machine has to be extremely high to pop the kernels. So by allowing it to cool off, it will be safer to clean and prevent burns.

Wipe with a soft, damp sponge, or towel. 

Never submerge the kettle in water as this will damage its electrical connections and components. Get a clean wet sponge or cloth to wipe down the kettle and the insides of the machine. For the interior part, it is better to use non- ammonia-based cleaners. Because you are cleaning the inside of the machine and this touches food, ensure that the cleaner you are using is safe and non-poisonous.

Use food-safe glass cleaner to wipe the surface. 

After cleaning the inside, don’t forget to clean the outside surfaces as well. A dirty popcorn machine will get a frown from the customers, and no matter how pleasant the buttery smell of your popcorn is, they won’t like it. Use food-safe glass cleaner to wipe the surface of your machine with a clean towel. Make sure to use a clean cloth so as to prevent tiny particles from scratching the panels of your beloved popcorn machine.

Some additional tips for you, make sure to remove any kernels that didn’t pop every time you finish cooking up a batch. This way, you prevent serving burnt popcorn to your customers. A degreaser is a popcorn machine’s best friend. Grease is a very stubborn thing to deal with and sometimes merely wiping it off won’t do the trick. A cheap and perfectly safe degreaser is vinegar mixed with equal parts of water. Just spray it on the surface and allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes before wiping it off with a clean tissue.

Afterward, get your trusty towel and wipe everything off. No additional expense for you, and you’ll be back to popping your popcorn in no time. How often should you clean your machine? Well, you must clean your machine as regularly as possible. This is so the grease, and the popcorn kernels will not build up in your machine. Every day or if the schedule does not permit, every other day should be clean up your machine.