Last updated on June 9th, 2020
Of course, we all know how to use a microwave! We don’t go around trying to microwave tin foils or leaving metal spoons by mistake when reheating food in bowls.
But did you know there are many things about a microwave that we may have got all wrong? Here are 12 mistakes people commonly make. See if you are making any of them!
1. Destroying Some Of Your Veggies
Courtesy: healthline
Did you know that vegetables like broccoli and mushrooms lose their nutrients when exposed to microwave heat? In fact, some vegetables like spinach and beetroot can even turn carcinogenic when exposed to micro-waves. It’s better to exercise caution when cooking your veggies in the microwave.
2. Not Using The Pause Button
Courtesy: indiandietrecipes
Let’s be honest. How often have you used the pause button on your microwave? Almost never! Who would want to delay the heating or cooking?
But it is important to use this button and stir your leftovers and ready-to-eat meals halfway, so that they get heated evenly without leaving cold spots in the middle. These cold spots in your food can breed harmful bacteria and make you very sick.
3. Heating Food In Styrofoam Containers
Courtesy: thedailymeal
We all do it. It’s only for a minute anyway. But we wouldn’t, if we knew how harmful it is for our health!
Styrofoam is a type of plastic and in the microwave, it releases many toxins into your food. Take the time to transfer the food into a glass container before heating it. It takes less than a minute!
4. Not Cleaning It Regularly
Courtesy: airtasker
Even if you think it looks clean, your microwave is actually not. It is imperative that you scrub the interiors of your microwave along with the outside regularly to eliminate food particles that can get smelly and harbor dangerous bacteria if left unchecked.
5. Turning It On And Walking Away
Courtesy: tastessence
A lot can go wrong inside your microwave when you decide to step away from it, no matter how briefly. Liquids can boil over, and things could even explode inside it. Play it safe and stay close to it and watch your food carefully to make sure everything’s alright.
6. Reheating Hardboiled Eggs In Shells
Courtesy: livestrong
It’s a terrible idea to try to reheat a hardboiled egg when it’s still in its shell. It could cause an explosion inside and splatter the egg all over the inside of your microwave. Peel the egg before you decide to warm it.
7. Not Covering The Food
Courtesy: myrecipes
Lay a paper towel over the food containing your plate or bowl before you begin heating your food. If you don’t want to clean up the messy insides once the food heats up and splatters, that is!
8. Microwaving In Any Plastic Container
Courtesy: reynoldskitchens
Many plastic containers leach chemicals into the food that is heated or cooked in them. These chemicals (like BPA, for instance) have been linked to many health problems like heart disease, diabetes and even infertility. Use glass containers or only those plastic ones that say they are ‘microwave safe’.
9. Taking Food Out Before It Heats Up Fully
Courtesy: cookingforbusymoms
Taking food out too quickly when reheating, can leave the middle cold and cause it to grow harmful bacteria which can cause food poisoning when consumed.
10. Not Using It To Peel Garlic
Courtesy: melissasloveoffood
Microwaving a head of garlic for 20 seconds will get the cloves to slip out of their peels without you needing to get your fingers messy and smelly trying to peel them one by one. Bet you didn’t know this one!
11. Not Using It To Toast Nuts
Courtesy: onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy
If you haven’t used your microwave for toasting nuts, you’re missing out on one of its great uses. Just lay the nuts out in a single layer and cook until you feel they’ve attained the desired color and crunchiness. How easy is that?
12. Not Using It To Make Potato Chips
Did you know that you can make healthy potato chips right at home without involving deep frying?
Just slice the potatoes thinly, brush some olive oil and arrange them on a plate, before sprinkling some salt over them. Heat them for three minutes before turning them over and heating them for three minutes more. Don’t forget to let them sit for a while before you dig into them, so that they can turn crisp and ready to be devoured!
