7 Foods You Should Never Reheat in the Microwave
First invented by accident in the 1940s, the microwave is now a staple kitchen appliance in every home. While this appliance means convenience for cooking and reheating, there are specific types of foods that you should avoid cooking in the microwave at all costs.
By watching these microwave no-no’s, you decrease the odds of a potential random hazard that may arise.
1. Processed meat
Processed meats are not the most nutritious foods, as they contain large amounts of salt, additives, chemicals, and preservatives. But when you add microwave radiation to your favorite meats and canned goods, your cholesterol levels can rise, which can lead to heart problems. The safest way to heat your hams and sausages is on the grill or stovetop.
2. Water
Heating water in the microwave may seem like the simplest and most hassle-free of your options. But studies show that many cases of burns come from scalding water heated in the microwave, especially when handled by children. The electromagnetic waves in a microwave oven can cause water to overheat, which makes water molecules unstable and can cause intense boiling and even explosions!
3. Boiled eggs
When you heat a hard-boiled egg in the microwave, steam builds up from water molecules, causing an increase in pressure. Because eggs have a thin membrane and shell, they cannot withstand all the pressure, which can lead to a very hot explosion in the microwave, on your plate, or even when you take a bite!
4. Carrots
Although carrots can be cooked and heated in the microwave, raw carrots, especially those with the peel still on, can be potentially dangerous. If carrots are not washed properly and have any dirt residue on them, minerals in the soil can cause microwave sparks, also known as arcing. Arcing can cause serious damage to your microwave if it happens continuously.
5. Chicken meat
Chicken is a popular culprit for spreading salmonella, especially when it is not properly cooked! When you cook a piece of raw chicken in the microwave, the chances of it cooking evenly and thoroughly are greatly reduced, making it a potential risk for bacterial contamination. The same can be said for other pieces of raw meat. It is best to cook the meat thoroughly, over direct heat, such as in a pan, on a grill, or in the oven.
6. Chili peppers
Chili peppers, especially the really hot ones, contain high levels of capsaicin, which can be quite flammable. When capsaicin is exposed to the electromagnetic waves in a microwave, it begins to smoke and can be prone to catch fire! The fire and smoke that will be released from the microwave can cause skin irritation and burning sensations.
7. Tomatoes and tomato sauce
Like hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes can cause an explosive mess when they spend too long in the microwave. Due to the liquid content in fresh tomatoes and pasta sauce, pressure build-up causes them to bubble and splash liquid, leaving your microwave covered in red splatter.
Have you encountered any of these microwave mishaps? Based on your experience, are there other foods that should not be exposed to electromagnetic microwaves?
Source:healthynewz.co.uk
