Summary
Microwaves are useful for cooking as well as reheating. Microwave cooking requires proper techniques and safety.
Materials
white board and markers, supplies for demo, textbooks, supplies for labs.
Background for Teachers
Microwaves use waves similar to radio waves to cook food. There is no radiation in these waves. Microwaves are attracted to and absorbed by fat, sugar, and water molecules. The molecules move around creating friction, or heat, which cooks the food. The microwaves bounce around until they are absorbed. Safe microwave containers are glass, and plastics indicated for microwave use. Metal should not be used in a microwave because it reflects the microwaves back to the core which will cook and damage it. An empty microwave will also reflect the microwaves back to the core. Microwaves can reheat food, cook foods (including candy, cookies, casseroles, vegetables, and meat), boil water, and help clean pans. Tips for using the microwave:1. Don't overcook. Food may not look done when it is, and will continue to cook a little after it is taken out. Some microwaves are more powerful and need less cooking time. Follow the recipe or use less time.2. Double the food = Double the time. For example 1 potato cooks in 5 min., and 2 potatoes cook in 10 min.3. Microwaves are highly attracted to fat, sugar and water, which causes them to cook faster. They become very hot. To prevent burns, use hot pads, and leave a vent on covered foods to release steam. Also avoid overcooking water as it can explode.4. Use a turn table, or turn and stir the food yourself to help cook food evenly. Hot spots, or high concentrations of microwaves will overcook, and need to be moved.5. Layer food with the thick pieces outward, and thin pieces in the middle. Microwaves cook from the outside in. This will prevent food from getting overcooked.6. Use round pans instead of square pans. The corners of square pans cook too fast.7. Reheat leftovers hot enough to kill bacteria. Let it cool before you eat it.8. To clean off cooked on marshmallow or caramel, fill the pan with water, and cook for 1-2 minutes, until marshmallow or caramel is soft enough to be removed.
Student Prior Knowledge
Students will understand better if they have used a microwave before.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Students will take notes. Students will describe procedures for using a microwave correctly. Students will cook a dessert in the microwave using correct procedures.
Instructional Procedures
1. Lecture about microwave principles while students take notes. A movie would also work. Demo something similar to what they will be making the next day. I demo making caramel. Compare the demo to the correct procedures. You can even mess up to help the students understand :)2. Students read about microwaves in the textbook. I have students answer questions or tell me 5 microwave tips they read about. 3. For the lab, students make a dessert similar to the one demonstrated, such as caramel popcorn or rice krispie treats. 4. If there is extra time, students can copy a few microwave recipes.
Strategies for Diverse Learners
For visual students, have them draw microwave concepts and explain them to you.
Assessment Plan
Observe students during the lab to see if they are following microwave procedures. Give suggestions when needed.
FAQs
There are certain advantages and disadvantages of microwave cooking. Microwaves are convenient to use, they do not burn food, they are highly economical, and they heat food faster and healthier than other methods. On the flip side, you'll need to use microwave-safe vessels for cooking.
What are the pros of microwave cooking? ›
There are certain advantages and disadvantages of microwave cooking. Microwaves are convenient to use, they do not burn food, they are highly economical, and they heat food faster and healthier than other methods. On the flip side, you'll need to use microwave-safe vessels for cooking.
What are 4 disadvantages of microwave cooking? ›
The Cons of Microwave Cooking
The cold spots will not taste good, and the hot spots could result in burns to the mouth. If the food that is being microwaved does not have enough water content, there is a risk of it becoming too dry. Only microwave-safe utensils can be used in these ovens.
Is it OK to cook in microwave? ›
Do microwaves cook food safely? Bacteria will be destroyed during microwave cooking just as in other types of ovens, so food is safe cooked in a microwave oven. However the food can cook less evenly than in a conventional oven. Microwave cooking can be uneven just as with frying and grilling.
What foods Cannot be cooked in a microwave? ›
- Chili Peppers.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs.
- Styrofoam.
- Takeout Containers.
- Mug of Water.
- Grapes.
- Leftover Potatoes.
- Processed Meats.
Microwaves do have some downsides. For example, they may not be as effective as other cooking methods at killing bacteria and other pathogens that may lead to food poisoning. That's because the heat tends to be lower and the cooking time much shorter. Sometimes, food heats unevenly.
What are 3 disadvantages of using a microwave? ›
- Oct 17, 2023, 06:15 PM IST. 7 Disadvantages of Using a Microwave Oven. ...
- Separate Utensils. You can use only microwave-safe utensils in a microwave oven. ...
- Lack of Versatility. ...
- Limited Capacity. ...
- Impacts Immunity. ...
- Causes Dehydration. ...
- Harmful Radiation. ...
- Changes Food Texture.
Because they “essentially steam your food”, said Woman & Home, microwaves can sometimes produce a meal that “feels a little wet or soggy”. They also sometimes heat food unevenly, leading to hot and cold spots which are unpleasant to the tongue and a potential health risk with some foodstuffs.
Why chefs don t use microwave? ›
'Stovetop and oven cooking/reheating are superior since you are better able to control temperatures, cooking techniques, and heat is more evenly distributed,' she explains. 'Microwaves more often than not produce soggy, unappetizing meals.
What is the negative effect of microwave? ›
Microwaves are non-ionizing radiation, so they do not have the same risks as x-rays or other types of ionizing radiation. But, microwave radiation can heat body tissues the same way it heats food. Exposure to high levels of microwaves can cause skin burns or cataracts.
Eight Safety Tips on Using a Microwave Oven
- Never place metal items inside of the oven. ...
- Only use suitable ceramic, plastic and glass dishes. ...
- Don't place sealed containers in the oven. ...
- Never activate this appliance when it's empty. ...
- Remember to keep an eye on your microwave oven while it cooks food.
Leaving food in the microwave for too long can cause bacterial growth and increase the risk of foodborne illnesses. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so it's best to just throw out any food that has been left in the microwave for more than a few hours.
Do microwaves destroy enzymes in food? ›
Nutrients At Risk
microwaving food depletes nutrients faster than conventional cooking. Enzymes, trace minerals, amino acids and antioxidants are all affected. Rapid or prolonged heat destroys enzymes in most foods making them difficult to digest.
Is it bad to leave food on top of microwave? ›
As with all food, it's important to ensure that the dish is evenly cooked. If you're thinking of leaving your food uncovered in the microwave to speed up the cooking process, that's a no-no. The dish should be covered, as the steam formed under the cover will help kill bacteria and ensure even cooking.
What meats are best in microwave? ›
Other meats that work well include such small cuts of lamb and pork as chops, ribs and stew meat; and ham. Ground meats and bacon also cook well in the microwave. Select a roast, chop, or steak that is even in size, shape and thickness. This assures that the meat will cook evenly in the microwave.
Are microwavable foods healthy? ›
Using the microwave with a small amount of water essentially steams food from the inside out. That keeps in more vitamins and minerals than almost any other cooking method and shows microwave food can indeed be healthy.
Are some microwave meals healthy? ›
Some companies may advertise microwavable meals as low caloric and optimal for losing weight. However, most of them are nothing more than an advertising trap. Microwave meals can be loaded with excess sugars, salt, artificial flavours, and high-calorie ingredients that can raise your weight in just days.
What vegetables taste good microwaved? ›
Anything can be steamed in the microwave, from broccoli, carrots, peas, green beans, sweetcorn, or a mixture of your favourites (like our Steamfreshmixes wink-wink!).
