Microwaves are a convenient, quick and easy way to cook food. However, if they are not used correctly, the food they cook can be unfit to eat.
Microwave cooking can be used for
- Re-heating previously cooked foods.
- Cooking vegetables.
- Rapid heating of cooking items.
- Defrosting
Do not
- Use grocery bags, metal, newspapers or foil in the microwave.
- Microwave baby food.
Cooking food evenly
Turntables in a microwave are there to rotate your food for even cooking. If you have no turntable, then consider manually rotating or stirring the dish once or twice during cooking. This will help to ensure that there are no cold spots in the food where bacteria can survive. Another way to ensure thorough cooking is to arrange foods uniformly on a covered dish.
Standing time
Remember that food can continue to cook even after the microwave is turned off. Therefore wait until the standing time is over before checking that the cooking is complete.
Covering food whilst microwaving it
Some foods can be covered with a punctured lid or plastic wrap so steam can promote more even cooking. Make sure there are vents in any covering and ensure that any wrap does not touch the food.
Cleaning your microwave
As each one can be different, its best to check your microwave manual for recommended cleaning products and methods.
Microwave utensils
Only use containers and utensils that have been approved for use in a microwave. If you don’t then the results could be either a damaged microwave oven, or food that is unsafe to eat. Utensils that are safe for microwave use include:
- Glass
- Glass ceramic cookware
- Anything labelled fit for microwave use
Handling micro waved food
Any food that has been cooked in a microwave can be dangerously hot. To avoid injuries like steam burns you should remove the lids or other coverings carefully.
Defrosting food
To stop wraps from melting during defrosting always remove any food that is to be micro waved from its packaging or wrapping.
Courses
Food hygiene course online