Foods that should not be heated in the microwave

Although very practical because it enables quick reheating, the microwave oven is not suitable for all foods. Explanations.

Which food should not be heated in the microwave oven and why? ConsoGlobe suits you.

The microwave heats quickly, but not evenly

The microwave is a device that revolutionized the lives of housewives in the second half of the twentieth century. Later, it became an indispensable ally of students and people in a hurry. And for good reason, it heats up food very quickly, which is a significant quality in our modern age where we are always chasing time.

The other side of the coin is that the microwave also has a flaw, no less important: it does not heat evenly. Who hasn’t found themselves with a plate of lasagna that’s hot on the side and frozen in the middle? But that is not all. Microwave reheating is not suitable for all foods.

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The microwave oven is not suitable for all foods

What to do if your meat is undercooked? Heat it in a pan or in the oven, not in the microwave. This is especially the case with chicken, because the heat of the device is not enough to kill the bacteria in it. Be careful with meat products that contain preservatives and that can produce cholesterol oxidation products (oxysterols) when heated in the microwave.causing cardiovascular problems.

Since the microwave does not heat evenly, it is recommended not to use it for liquids, especially a bottle of milk that can burn a child’s mouth and esophagus. Also, don’t try to reheat a hard-boiled egg as it may explode when you stick a fork in it. Finally, do not add dried chili pepper. This food contains capsaicin, a substance that evaporates with heat and can burn your eyes and nostrils when you open the device.

A hard-boiled egg heated in a microwave oven can explode. – © Shutterstock.

Read also: How much is an hour in the microwave?

Health problems?

Have you cooked too much rice and stored it in the fridge? Be careful when heating it, bacteria, Bacillus cereus, can develop due to starch. The same problem is with potatoes, which also contain starch and glycoalkaloids that can cause intestinal problems. As for mushrooms, once cooked, it’s best not to heat them in the microwave or you’ll end up with bloating or stomach aches.

Do you want to reheat a dish containing spinach or salad – Bo-bun for example -? Do not forget to remove the leaves, they contain nitrate molecules that become carcinogenic under microwave radiation. The same for celery.

A practical reminder about food that should not be heated in a microwave oven

Rice : If cooked rice is left at room temperature for too long, Bacillus cereus spores can grow. Reheating in a microwave oven may not heat the rice evenly, leaving some spores alive, which can cause food poisoning.

Chicken : Chicken heated in a microwave oven may not reach a uniform temperature, increasing the risk of bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter. Chicken is best heated in the oven or on the stove.

mushrooms : Cooked mushrooms can develop toxic compounds when reheated in the microwave. This can cause digestive problems.

potato : Potatoes cooked and left at room temperature can develop Clostridium botulinum spores. If they are not heated properly, they can cause botulism.

Spinach and green leafy vegetables : These vegetables may contain nitrates which, when heated, turn into carcinogenic nitrites and nitrosamines.

Beetroot : Like spinach, beetroot contains nitrates, which can turn into harmful compounds when heated.

Pizza leftovers : Reheating pizza in the microwave can make the crust soft and rubbery. Using a traditional oven is often better for preserving the texture.

Fish : Fish heated in a microwave oven can give off an unpleasant smell and lose its delicate texture. It is best to reheat it gently in the oven or in the microwave, which is indeed very practical for quickly reheating food, but it is not for everyone.

Mother’s milk : Heating breast milk in the microwave can cause uneven heat distribution, creating hot spots that can burn the baby’s mouth and break down some beneficial proteins.

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