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Some food is designed to explode in the microwave: popcorn, for example, is a series of controlled mini-explosions that turn the corn kernels inside-out.

Other food will explode no matter what. Grapes are full of electrolytes, which cause them to spark easily when exposed to microwave radiation.

There are three ways to discourage most other foods from exploding:

1) Remove all metal. Take leftovers out of aluminum trays, for example. This will reduce sparks, which can cause a fire.

2) Pierce the skin, shell, or film, to allow steam to escape. Steam is pressurized water vapor; too much of it, and the container (be it a potato skin or an eggshell) will fail catastrophically.

3) Don't cook at full power. Cooking at about 70% power takes about 50% longer, but produces a more even and thorough heating, with less chance of catastrophic steam buildup. That's because the excess heat in one part of the food (which is being bombarded by the microwaves) will have time to radiate to the cooler regions, heating those parts more thoroughly while allowing the hot spots a chance to cool down.

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What keeps most nutrients in food-microwave or boil?

Microwave. Boiling food enables the nutrients to 'leech out' into the boiling water. Microwaving simply agitates the water molecules within the food.


Is there UV in microwave ovens?

No, microwave ovens do not emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation. They use microwave radiation to heat and cook food by causing water molecules in the food to vibrate, generating heat. UV radiation is not involved in the operation of microwave ovens.


Which element in the microwave heats the food and is it good for your health to eat food made in a microwave?

Microwave ovens have a "part" or device inside them called a magnetron. The magnetron is a microwave generator, and when we energize it, it generates electromagnetic waves at fairly high power (several hundred watts) and at a microwave frequency (about 2450 megaHertz). The non-ionizing electromagnetic waves or rays generated by the magnetron cause the bonds between hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water molecules to "vibrate" sympathetically with the microwave radiation. The result is that the water molecule is "given energy" by the microwave, and this energy is expressed as "vibration" of the water molecule. It is thermal, or heat energy, and the oven heats/cooks food by heating the water in the food using microwave electromagnetic energy. As stated, this radiation is non-ionizing radiation, and it will not "harm" the food, per se. Normally heated or cooked food that is put thorugh a microwave oven is safe to eat. You will not suffer any ill effects because of something the microwave oven did to the food item(s). Note that the oven can burn food, and burnt food has some toxins in it.


Can you put tin foil in the micerwave?

It is not recommended to put tin foil in the microwave as it can cause sparks and possibly damage the microwave. It is safer to use microwave-safe dishes and utensils when heating food in the microwave.


How does food get crispy in the microwave?

Things like hot pockets and microwave pizzas use what is called a susceptor (usually in the form of a sleeve or container). These susceptors convert microwave energy into heat, which help crisp up food in the microwave, countering the effects of sogginess that is synonymous with microwave ovens. For more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susceptor

Related Questions

What keeps most nutrients in food-microwave or boil?

Microwave. Boiling food enables the nutrients to 'leech out' into the boiling water. Microwaving simply agitates the water molecules within the food.


Can you microwave frosting in can?

NO!!! Never ever place metallic items into a microwave, put the frosting into a plastic bowl which is safe if you need to microwave the frosting, but never place metallic objects in a microwave, it can lead to the microwave exploding and serious injuries to the user


What happens to foods when microwaved in microwave?

The residual heat from being in the microwave keeps cooking whatever food your cooking.


What does a carburetor backfire flame arrestor do on a boat?

It keeps your boat from exploding.


What uses microwave waves for cooking food?

A microwave oven uses microwave waves for cooking food.


What exactly does an electric warming tray do?

An electric warming tray keeps food warm after it has been cooked. This helps to avoid the hassle of having to re-heat the food in the oven or microwave.


Is the microwave safe plastic dinnerware suitable for heating food in the microwave?

Yes, microwave-safe plastic dinnerware is suitable for heating food in the microwave.


How does the microwave power affect the cooking time of food in a microwave oven?

The higher the microwave power, the shorter the cooking time of food in a microwave oven.


Is wood microwave safe for heating food?

No, wood is not microwave safe for heating food as it can catch fire or release harmful chemicals when exposed to microwave radiation. It is recommended to use microwave-safe containers or utensils for heating food in the microwave.


How does cooking happen in a microwave?

When food is placed inside the microwave oven, the microwave released will 'agitate' the water molecules in the food, which causes heat to be produced, which then cooks the food.


Is sterilite microwave safe?

All of Sterlite food storage items are microwave safe. They are designed to reheat food in the microwave. Use caution when reheating food high in sugar or fat as they can cause damage to microwave safe containers. See microwave manufacturer's instructions for information regarding the use of microwave safe containers in your microwave."


What does the microwave say when it finishes cooking your food?

The microwave typically beeps when it finishes cooking your food.