A microwave is a common appliance found in almost every household these days. Can you imagine a kitchen set-up without a microwave? From baking to cooking, the microwave does it all in a matter of seconds. Reheating food is a key feature of this appliance.
Did You Know?
If certain types of foods get reheated in the microwave, they become toxic for consumption. Food is not evenly cooked in the microwave, leaving room for bacteria present in the food to remain alive.
Let’s check out some of the foods that you should never reheat in the microwave:
Hard-Boiled Eggs
When we reheat a hard-boiled egg in a microwave, the moisture inside it builds up to form extreme steam (like in a small pressure cooker). At this point, steam that builds up can cause the eggs to explode. The scariest part of heating a hard-boiled egg in the microwave is that it can even erupt in your hand or burst in your mouth while eating.
Simply slice the hard-boiled eggs in small pieces before reheating, or avoid putting them in a microwave.
Water
Are you one of those who heat their water in the microwave? If yes, it is time for you to stop this. Though heating water may sound like a convenient option, it is dangerous. Many studies have reported burn cases that occurred due to scalding water heated in the microwave. The water molecules can also become unstable, causing water to superheat due to electromagnetic waves dispersed in the microwave. At this point, the instability can cause intense boiling, and in extreme cases, it can even lead to explosions.
Chilli Peppers
The spiciest chilly peppers should not be reheated, as they contain high levels of capsaicin that can be inflammable. As the capsaicin gets exposed to the electromagnetic waves in the microwave, it can cause smoke and most likely catch fire, which may lead to skin irritation and burning sensations.
Vegetables High In Nitrates
Avoid reheating spinach, leafy greens, turnip, or celery in the microwave. These vegetables are rich in nitrates and can become toxic (releasing carcinogenic properties) on reheating. Furthermore, if spinach is reheated, it can lose its iron content (as reheating oxidises the iron nutrient). The oxidation may result in generating free radicals that can cause numerous illnesses like infertility and cancer.
Rice
It will come as a shock, but reheating rice can cause food poisoning. It occurs because rice contains highly resistant bacteria (Bacillus Cereus). Though the heat can often kill these bacterias, it can produce spores known as toxic.
Tomatoes/Tomato Sauce
Like boiled eggs, tomatoes can cause the same mess if kept for long in the microwave. As tomatoes have liquid content, they can build up pressure making them bubble and spurt.
Chicken
Poorly cooked chicken, which may contain salmonella, is dangerous as it can spread the bacteria. It is better to cook chicken directly, overheat on the pan, or a grill to cook it thoroughly.
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