Ah, the microwave. Easily one of the most convenient inventions of the twentieth century. With our time being pulled in so many directions, many people use the microwave as their main cooking appliance. While the microwave may seem like a catch-all option for quick, hot food, there are many foods which should never be reheated using one. Here are three examples:
- Eggs
While eggs are safe to be reheated, the microwaves make the water molecules inside a boiled egg wiggle, building up steam inside. The steam will escape, often causing the egg to explode, which can cause burns.
2. Hot Dogs or Other Processed Meats
Microwaves create something called “cholesterol oxidation products” or COPs inside of processed meats, which studies have shown correlate to the development of coronary heart disease.
3. Potatoes
Microwaving precooked potatoes comes with the risk of botulism, especially if the potato has been left at room temperature for too long. Risks are increased if the potato was originally cooked in aluminum foil, as the foil protects the bacteria from being destroyed.
Sources:
10 Foods That You Shouldn’t Reheat in a Microwave (tasteofhome.com)
6 Foods You Shouldn’t Reheat In The Microwave (southernliving.com)
