Foods to never reheat in a Microwave

The microwave is a convenient, easy-to-use, and super quick way to heat up your leftover foods. While food is never quite as good coming out of a microwave as when it’s fresh, we can’t deny that it’s a good way to get warm food with minimal effort.

But some foods should never go in the microwave oven. Sometimes, it ruins the food completely. Sometimes, it’s because it can pose a safety hazard. Whatever the case, these are some foods to never reheat in a microwave.

– Hard-boiled eggs:

The moisture inside creates an extreme steam buildup, causing the egg to explode.

– Breast milk:

Microwaves can warm breast milk unevenly, creating “hot spots” that can burn a baby’s mouth and throat.

– Processed meat:

Microwaving processed meats can cause chemical changes, including oxidized cholesterol, which can contribute to coronary heart disease.

– Leafy greens:

Microwaving can convert naturally occurring nitrates into carcinogenic nitrosamines.

– Hot peppers:

Capsaicin can release into the air, causing eye and throat irritation.

– Fruit:

Microwaving grapes can create plasma, which can melt a hole through a plastic container.

– Potatoes:

Microwaving cooked potatoes can cause botulism if they contain the bacteria C. botulinum.

– French fries and other fried foods:

Microwaving fried foods can make them soggy and greasy.

– Fish and seafood:

Microwaving fish and seafood can cause them to become overcooked and develop an unpleasant odor.