9 Foods You Shouldn’t Microwave And Why
Using Microwave to warm some foods might not be a good idea because of the health implication. The foods mentioned below shouldn’t be microwaved.
Boiled eggs
The steam inside can cause the full egg to explode, so cut it into quarters before reheating.
Cups of water
When plain water is heated in a microwave in a ceramic or glass container for too long, it can prevent bubbles from forming, which usually help cool the liquid down. The water becomes superheated; when you move the cup, the heat releases violently and erupts boiling water. To avoid this scalding risk, heat water only the minimum amount of time needed or heat it for longer in small cycles.
Hot peppers
When heated, these can release the spicy chemical capsaicin, which can irritate the eyes & throat.
Meat
Frozen cuts of meat are tricky to defrost in a microwave: Thinner edges start cooking while the thicker middle remains frozen. And if your microwave doesn’t rotate food while cooking it, this too can lead to uneven distribution of heat, which can can allow bacteria to grow. The safest way to thaw meat is to defrost it overnight in your refrigerator, according to food safety experts at Pennsylvania State University’s department of food science.
Breast Milk or Formula
Not only does microwaving frozen breast milk warm it unevenly, which can create scalding hot spots for sensitive little mouths, other research has found that this heating method may destroy some of breast milk’s immune-boosting proteins, particularly on high power.
Foods in Plastic
Heating certain plastic containers or wraps to high temperatures can release chemicals into your food.
Styrofoam containers
As a type of plastic, styrofoam can release harmful chemicals into your food when heated. Dump the leftovers onto a glass dish covered with a paper towel instead.
Fruits
Some fruit might be able to withstand the heat, but not all. Grapes will explode. And raisins will smoke.
Travel Mug
Many travel mugs are not safe to put in the microwave. If it’s made from stainless steel, don’t nuke it. The stainless steel will block the heat from warming your coffee or tea and can damage your microwave. If it’s plastic, check the bottom of the mug to see if it’s marked as microwave safe.