7 Foods You Should NEVER Reheat In a Microwave

Yes, the microwave is super easy to use, works fast and is as convenient as it gets. And while it doesn’t get our food back to its full potential, it is a great way to enjoy a warm meal without putting a lot of effort. However, there are some foods you should never reheat in the microwave. This may be because it can ruin the food, create an explosion, or in worse cases cause food poising. So, let’s see what you should avoid reheating in there.

There are some foods you should never reheat in the microwave

In this article

• Foods You Should Never Reheat In a Microwave
  • #Chicken
  • #Mushrooms
  • #Hard-Boiled Eggs
  • #Rice
  • #Processed Meats
  • #Nitrate Veggies
  • #Chili Peppers

Foods You Should Never Reheat In a Microwave

We are probably all guilty of reheating the following foods in the microwave. However, it’s pure luck we’ve been able to avoid the more serious consequences. So, to save yourself from food poisoning or a ruined plate of food, here is which foods you should never reheat in a microwave.

It’s pure luck we’ve been able to avoid the more serious consequences

#Chicken

A good rule to remember is that the microwave heats things from the outside in, and not inside out. This means that foods that are bacteria prone when reheated will have a much higher risk of causing food poisoning and sickness, as the bacteria cells are able to survive. This means that foods like leftover chicken, which is at a high risk of salmonella contamination, is a dangerous food to reheat in the microwave. You don’t want any bacteria surviving on your chicken. You can eat chicken up to two days after cooking it, just make sure to store it properly and reheat it in a skillet.

Foods like chicken is a dangerous food to reheat in the microwave

#Mushrooms

Mushrooms are made to be eaten immediately after they have been cooked. So, if you have mushroom leftovers it’s best to either throw them away. Mushrooms, like other fungi, are very vulnerable to microorganisms and bad bacteria and pretty much any method of reheating will put you at risk. Reheating mushrooms, as well as just staying as leftovers changes their protein contents, which can also cause digestion issues. However, you can store them in the fridge right after cooking and enjoy them cold.

Mushrooms are made to be eaten immediately after they have been cooked

@well plated by Erin

#Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are great to be cooked in advance. They make a good breakfast or even a snack. However, if you prefer them warm, make sure to avoid reheating them in the microwave. Or you’ll basically create a mini bomb. Boiled eggs have moisture in them and as they heat – steam will build. However, the shell prevents that steam from escaping. Which means that when you peel them, they will explode. Not fun at all. If you do want to reheat your eggs, just place them in a bowl with some boiled water. Keep them covered for ten minutes.

If you prefer eggs warm, make sure to avoid reheating them in the microwave

#Rice

This one may come as a surprise. However, microwaved rice can lead to food poisoning. Rice contains a bacteria called Bacillus cereus. While heat can kill these bacteria, it can have produced spores which are toxic and very much heat-resistant. These spores can multiple if you reheat your rice in the microwave and then leave it out at room temperature. The longer it stays, the worse it gets. So how do you restore and heat rice? Make sure it’s cooled down and pop it in the fridge, then if you want to reheat it, put it in water and heat it to near boiling then keep it warm to keep it food safe. If it’s been 24 hours since you cooked it, it’s best to throw it away.

Rice contains a bacteria called Bacillus cereus

#Processed Meats

These meats often contain a bunch of preservatives and chemicals. However, when these substances are microwaved all those substances become terrible for your health. When reheating such meats in the microwave, we expose them to chemical changes. These changes include an oxidization in the process. Alongside the radiation, this forms COP (cholesterol oxidation products) which are linked to different heart diseases. If you do want to reheat such meat, do it in the oven at 150 degrees F and add some oil or butter. Cover it with some aluminum foil and let it heat for 10 to 15 minutes.

These meats often contain a bunch of preservatives and chemicals

#Nitrate Veggies

Leafy greens, such as spinach alongside other veggies like celery, beets, turnips, and carrots aren’t the best for reheating in a microwave. These are all nitrate rich vegetables. And such vegetables can quickly turn toxic when reheated and release carcinogenic properties. When it comes to spinach it also contains a high amount of iron, this means that reheating it can oxidize the present iron. Iron oxidation generates free radicals that are dangerous and cause a series of diseases and health-related issues.

Spinach is a nitrate rich vegetables

#Chili Peppers

The component in peppers, especially chili peppers – capsaicin, is what causes them to have a hot and spicy taste. When you put really spicy peppers in the microwave, the high temperatures cause the capsaicin compound to vaporize, while this won’t cause an explosion, the steam is going to be insane. It can burn your eyes and throat and cause some pretty serious damage. Buildings have been evacuated because of this.

The high temperatures cause the capsaicin compound to vaporize

These were the foods you should never reheat in the microwave. We hope you found this article useful. Knowing what foods shouldn’t go in the microwave will save you time and nerves.

Save your time and health by knowing not to microwave

Sources: 

• Edna ©
• Chatelaine ©
• The Healthy ©
• Reader’s Digest ©
• NDTV Food ©