Microwave Cooking

Why is microwave cooking important to learn?

• Accessible equipment• Dorm room, apartment kitchenette, hotel

• Cooks food quickly • Nutrition

• Uses less fat and liquid • Retains valuable vitamins and minerals in our

foods

How does a microwave work?

Radiation causes molecules to

move which produces heat.

Food Factors and Microwaving

1. Food Composition foods that get very hot in the microwave

Water Fat Sugar Salt Foods that have skin that keeps moisture from evaporating

2. Food Density (amt. of space it takes up)

3. Shape and Size

4. Starting Temperature

5. Amount of Food

Power Setting:

The higher the power setting the longer the microwaves are transmitted.

What to use in the microwave:

Glass Plastic

Paper

DO NOT

Use METAL in the microwave because…

Microwaves are reflected by metal

and this can cause a fire!exception: small pieces of foil may be used

to cover small areas of food that may overcook

Tips for Successful Microwaving

1. Food Placement (thinner inside, thicker outside)

2. Cover Food (with paper towel, no plastic wrap)

3. Stirring, rotating, turning

4. Cooking time/Standing time

Additional Information

• Never turn on the microwave oven unless there is food in it.

• Clean spots and spills after every use. • If allowed to build up they will absorb

microwaves and cut down on cooking power.

• BE VERY CAREFUL when removing food from the microwave. It can be very hot.