Leftovers are perfect for lunch, snacks, or even a late-night bite, they provide a fantastic way of enjoying meals without any more cooking. Food experts advise that using the microwave to heat up these dishes fast might not always be the wisest option, although it could be appealing. Here are which foods to be careful of and the reasons.
According to Michigan State University, microwaves warm food unevenly, which might give rise to “cold spots.” These cold spots may let dangerous bacteria survive, making your food unfit to consume. Moreover, microwave-reheated food can sometimes be overdone or too dry, lowering its appeal.
Things that should not be microwaved
Certain foods don’t cook well in the microwave and could even degrade their flavor and nutrients or be hazardous. Here are a few of them:
Hard-boiled eggs
According to registered dietitian Amanda Holtzer, microwaving hard-boiled eggs may generate steam inside, which can explode if cut or bitten onto. Hard-boiled eggs are a quick and healthy snack, but itHea is safe to enjoy them cold
Foods rich in vitamin C
Vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and leafy greens are rich in vitamin C but microwaving them can ruin the nutrients in them. Holtzer says, that eating these foods raw will preserve their vitamins.
Chicken
Reheating chicken in the microwave is safe but it does not taste as good. Holtzer says that chicken can lose moisture and take on a strange taste when it is reheated. Rather, try to make use of any leftover chicken in a wrap or salad.
Seafood
Reheating fish in a microwave can make it rubbery and dry. Atlanta, Georgia-based chef Jim Nuetzi says seafood does not reheat well—in the microwave especially. One should eat seafood cold or find some other means to savor it without reheating it.
Steak
Think twice before microwaving any steak you have left. Reheating steak can cause it to be coarse and inconsistently cooked, thereby destroying the delicate texture you loved the first time. Think of cutting it up for a sandwich or salad rather.
Best reheat method
Reheating leftovers with the stove or oven assists to retain the taste and texture of the food. This process might be a bit slower, but they drastically improve upon the microwave results. So next time you’re about to gut your meal, keep these recommendations on your mind and savor your leftovers as they are intended to be.