I know how tempting it is to just toss leftovers in the microwave for a quick meal. It’s easy, fast, and gets the job done, right? Well, not always. Some foods can turn nasty or even dangerous when you zap them.
Who knew that your trusty microwave could sometimes be your worst enemy in the kitchen? I’ve put together a list of 15 foods that you should never, ever reheat in the microwave.
Eggs
Reheating eggs in the microwave can make them rubbery and tough. They might also explode, creating a messy situation. The yolk can become super hot while the white stays cool. It’s best to reheat eggs slowly on the stove instead.
Rice
Microwaving leftover rice can lead to food poisoning. Bacteria can grow quickly in cooked rice left at room temperature. If you must reheat rice, ensure it’s piping hot all through. It’s safer to eat cold rice or reheat it on the stove.
Chicken
Reheating chicken in the microwave can dry it out and make it tough. It also might not heat evenly, leaving cold spots where bacteria can grow. The texture changes too, often becoming rubbery. It’s better to reheat chicken in the oven or on the stove.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms can become rubbery and lose their flavor when microwaved. They also might release toxins that can upset your stomach. It’s best to eat mushrooms right after cooking. If you must reheat them, use a pan on the stove.
Breast Milk
Microwaving breast milk can create hot spots that might burn a baby’s mouth and destroy important nutrients. The safest way to warm breast milk is in a bowl of warm water. Never microwave a baby’s bottle.
Potatoes
Reheating potatoes in the microwave can lead to botulism, a serious illness. Potatoes keep heat well, which lets bacteria grow. If you want to reheat potatoes, use the oven or a pan on the stove. Make sure they’re hot all the way through.
Also read: Avoid These 15 Foods Once You Hit 50
Pizza
Microwaving pizza makes the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery. The toppings might get too hot while the crust stays cold. For crispy, evenly heated pizza, use the oven or a skillet on the stove. You’ll get a much better taste and texture.
Hardboiled Eggs
Microwaving hardboiled eggs can make them explode. The heat builds up inside the egg, creating steam. This can lead to a messy, and possibly dangerous, situation. It’s best to eat hardboiled eggs cold or slice them before reheating them gently on the stove.
Processed Meat
Hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats can release harmful chemicals when microwaved. They also tend to cook unevenly, leaving cold spots where bacteria can grow. It’s safer to reheat these meats in a pan on the stove or in the oven.
Leafy Greens
Microwaving leafy greens like spinach or kale can cause them to release nitrates. These chemicals can be harmful if eaten in large amounts. It’s better to eat these veggies fresh or reheat them quickly in a pan.
Oils
Heating oils in the microwave can cause them to smoke or even catch fire. The heat is often uneven, creating dangerous hot spots. If you need to heat oil, do it slowly on the stove where you can control the temperature better.
Grapes
Microwaving grapes can cause them to explode or catch fire. The heat gets trapped inside the grape, creating plasma. This might look cool, but it’s very dangerous. Always eat grapes fresh and at room temperature.
Bread
Microwaving bread makes it tough and chewy. It can also make it dry out quickly. The texture becomes unpleasant and nothing like fresh bread. Instead, toast bread in a toaster or warm it in the oven for better results.
Pasta
Reheating pasta in the microwave often leads to a mushy, unappealing texture. It can also heat unevenly, leaving some parts cold and others too hot. For better results, reheat pasta on the stove with a little extra sauce or water.
Seafood
Microwaving seafood can lead to a fishy smell throughout your kitchen. It also tends to cook unevenly, potentially leading to food poisoning. The texture often becomes rubbery too. It’s best to reheat seafood gently on the stove or in the oven.
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