Reheating - Guide
EN
MICROWAVES
Microwave energy actually penetrates food, attracted and absorbed by its water, fat and sugar content.
The microwaves cause the molecules in the food to move rapidly. The rapid move- ment of these molecules creates friction and the resulting heat cooks the food.
COOKING
Cookware for microwave cooking:
Cookware must allow microwave energy to pass through it for maximum efficiency. Microwaves are reflected by metal, such as stainless steel, aluminium and copper, but they can penetrate through ceramic, glass, porcelain and plastic as well as paper and wood. So food must never be cooked in metal containers.
Food suitable for microwave cooking:
Many kinds of food are suitable for microwave cooking, including fresh or frozen vege- tables, fruit, pasta, rice, grains, beans, fish, and meat. Sauces, custard, soups, steamed puddings, preserves, and chutneys can also be cooked in a microwave oven. Generally speaking, microwave cooking is ideal for any food that would normally be prepared on a hob. Melting butter or chocolate, for example.
Covering during cooking
To cover the food during cooking is very important, as the evaporated water rises as steam and contributes to cooking process.
Food can be covered in different ways: e.g. with a ceramic plate, plastic cover or microwave suitable cling film.
Standing times
After cooking is over food the standing time is important to allow the temperature to even out within the food.
REHEATING
Your microwave oven will reheat food in a fraction of the time that conventional ovens hobs normally take.
Use the power levels and reheating times in the following chart as a guide. The times in the chart consider liquids with a room temperature of about +18 to +20°C or a chilled food with a temperature of about +5 to +7°C.
Arranging and covering
Avoid reheating large items such as joint of meat – they tend to overcook and dry out before the centre is piping hot. Reheating small pieces will be more successful.
Power levels and stirring
Some foods can be reheated using 900W power while others should be reheated using 750 W, 600 W, 450 W or even 300 W.
Check the tables for guidance. In general, it is better to reheat food using a lower power level, if the food is delicate, in large quantities, or if it is likely to heat up very quickly (mince pies, for example).
stir well or turn food over during reheating for best results. When possible, stir again before serving.
Take particular care when heating liquids and baby food. To prevent eruptive boiling of liquids and possible scalding , stir before, during and after heating. Keep them in the microwave oven during standing time. We recommend putting a plastic spoon or glass stick into the liquids. Avoid overheating (and therefore spoiling) the food.
It is preferable to underestimate cooking time and add extra heating time, if necessary.
Heating and standing times
When reheating food for the first time, it is helpful to make a note of the time taken – for future reference.
Always make sure that the reheated food is piping hot throughout.
Allow food to stand for a short time after reheating - to let the temperature even out. The recommended standing time after reheating is
Take particular care when heating liquids and baby food.
REHEATING LIQUIDS
Always allow a standing time of at least 20 seconds after the oven has been switched off to allow the temperature to even out. Stir during heating, if necessary, and ALWAYS stir after heating. To prevent eruptive boiling and possible scalding, you should put a spoon or glass stick into the beverages and stir before, during and after heating.
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