We’ve all been there – tired, hungry, and wanting easy food in the microwave for a quick meal. But be careful; some foods can lead to culinary disasters or even safety hazards when used in a microwave. From explosive eggs to uneven hotdogs, your taste buds will thank you for steering clear of these foods in the microwave.
Eggs in Shells
Microwaving eggs in their shells is extremely dangerous as the pressure builds inside the shell when it’s heated up. This pressure can cause the egg to explode, creating a mess and potentially causing burns. This explosion can happen during heating or even after removal from the microwave, making it unpredictable. If you want to microwave eggs, it’s best to crack them into a microwave-safe bowl first and beat them.
Grapes
When two grape halves are placed close together in a microwave, they can create an intense electromagnetic field between them. This field causes the grapes to produce plasma, a superheated state of matter that can reach temperatures of thousands of degrees. The plasma not only damages your microwave but can also start a fire. While trying this experiment might be tempting, it’s important to avoid microwaving grapes for safety reasons.
Hot Peppers
Microwaving hot peppers releases capsaicin, the compound responsible for their spiciness, into the air. This can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, causing coughing, sneezing, and burning sensations. In rare cases, it can even feel like tear gas in your kitchen. The heat from the microwave can also cause the peppers to explode, splattering their spicy oils around the microwave and potentially onto your skin or eyes.
Processed Meats
Hot dogs, bacon, or deli meats can be problematic in the microwave for a variety of reasons. These meats contain preservatives and additives that can be unpredictable when exposed to microwave radiation. The high-fat content can also lead to uneven heating and splattering. More importantly, the rapid heating can cause the formation of cholesterol oxidation products, which are linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
Rice (for reheating)
Reheating rice poses a serious food safety risk if not done properly. Rice can contain spores of Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that can survive cooking. If cooked rice is left at room temperature, these spores can germinate, multiply, and produce toxins. Microwaving may not heat the rice evenly or thoroughly enough to kill the bacteria. To safely reheat rice, refrigerate it as soon as it’s been cooked. Add a little water and stir halfway through, ensuring it’s steaming hot.
Leafy Greens
Microwaving leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collard greens can lead to serious issues. First, they contain high levels of nitrates, which can convert to nitrosamines when exposed to high heat. Nitrosamines are potentially carcinogenic compounds. Second, leafy greens have a high water content, which can cause them to wilt and become mushy when microwaved. For the best results, it’s recommended to steam or sauté leafy greens.
Hot Dogs
The uneven heating in microwaves can cause hotdogs to create scalding hot spots that can burn your mouth. They may also explode or split open, causing a mess in the microwave. The casing of hot dogs can trap steam, leading to a buildup of pressure that’ll splatter when punctured. For better results, grill, boil, or pan-fry hot dogs.
Red Pasta Sauce
Red pasta sauce’s high acidity and sugar content can make it prone to splattering. If the hot sauce splatters, this can create a messy situation and potentially cause burns. To reheat pasta sauce, it’s better to use a saucepan on the stovetop and stir continuously for even heating.
Whole Potatoes
Potatoes have a dense, moisture-rich body that doesn’t allow steam to escape easily. As the potato heats up in the microwave, pressure builds up inside and could lead to an exposure. To combat this, pierce the skin several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. However, for better taste and texture, it’s recommended to bake potatoes in a conventional oven.
Frozen Meat
The uneven heating in microwaves can result in some parts of the meat thawing and other parts remaining frozen, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth in the warmer areas. For food safety, it’s best to thaw meat slowly in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on the microwave, followed by immediate cooking on the stovetop.
Broccoli
Although microwaving broccoli isn’t dangerous, it can lead to a loss of flavor and an unappealing, limp texture. For the best results, it’s recommended to steam or stir-fry broccoli. These methods allow for more control over cooking time and preserve the nutrients.
Fish
Microwaving fish can lead to uneven heating, resulting in some parts of the fish being overcooked and dry, while others remain undercooked. This rapid heating can cause the oils in the fish to break down faster, leading to fishy odors taking over your kitchen. For the best results, cook fish using methods like baking, grilling, or pan searing.
Butter
Microwaving butter leads to splattering and messy explosions in the microwave. It can also separate, with the milk solids settling at the bottom and the butterfat floating on top. For better results, let butter soften at room temperature.
Bread
While it sounds convenient, microwaving bread doesn’t always work. Once heated, the moisture in the bread quickly turns into steam. Once the bread cools, it can become tough and rubbery due to the recrystallization of starch molecules. The uneven heating in microwaves can also cause some parts of the bread to remain hot and dry while others cool and damp. For better results, use a toaster.
Oils
Oils heat extremely fast in a microwave, reaching dangerous temperatures and potentially causing burns or even fires. Additionally, some oils can degrade when put in the microwave, forming harmful compounds or becoming rancid. This degradation can affect both the flavor and nutritional quality of the oil. For better results, heat oil gradually on the stovetop.
18 Foods You Should Eat Every Day
There are many foods, such as leafy greens, berries, and whole grains, which are full of things like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help your body function at its best. Experts recommend you should eat these 18 foods every day to live a healthier life.
Read: 18 Foods You Should Eat Every Day
15 Foods You Shouldn’t Eat After 50
Age is just a number, but not regarding eating habits. The older you grow, the more your body needs nutritious food to stay fit and healthy. While there are many things you’re encouraged to eat, when you cross 50, your go-to foods can’t look the same as they once were. Your body is changing, and so should your eating habits.
Read: 15 Foods You Shouldn’t Eat After 50
18 Ultra-Processed Foods You Should Avoid
Ultra-processed foods are full of additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats that are bad for your body. While they may be tempting, the long-term effects of eating these foods can include obesity, heart disease, and other chronic health problems. Avoid these 18 ultra-processed foods to live a healthier life.
