Microwaves
How Does a Microwave Work? The microwave oven generates electromagnetic waves (called microwaves) which makes water move. This motion leads to friction, and friction leads to heating. friction heating motion
How Does a Microwave Work? This heat starts on the outside of the food and moves in. The denser the food the longer it will take to cook. Water will heat faster than a burrito, because a burrito is more dense than water.
Microwaves Microwaves are attracted to foods that are high in: sugar fat water
Microwave-able Containers Paper Plastic Glass Microwaveable Dishes
Containers…. A round and shallow container will cook the most evenly.
Non-Microwave-able Containers Metal Foil Dishes with gold or silver on it.
Acceptable coverings for microwave dishes: Paper towel – to absorb moisture, spatters, and spills. Wax paper – holds in some of the moisture Plastic wrap – hold in moisture
Techniques for Microwaving Stirring: To pull heated part of the food to the center Turning over: To microwave all sides Rotating: Makes cooking even Pricking: To keep foods from exploding Standing Time: To allow foods to complete its cooking by placing on the counter.
Cooking Time These will increase the cooking time and standing time. The volume of the food Example: Small potatoes versus large potatoes. The quantity or number of food.
Microwave Safety To prevent burning yourself from microwave cooking, remember: Foods can create hot containers Items can explode (eggs, potatoes). Pierce them with a fork. Lifting the cover or plastic from the food can cause a burn. Hot steam escaping can cause a burn
What foods should not be microwaved?