Reheating by Microwave
Tips for Reheating Commercially Prepared Foods
Always choose a supplier who offers an extensive and well made range of meals, which because prior research has gone into their products, heats efficiently in the microwave oven.
The majority of distributors of prepared foods supply their dishes frozen. They recommend the dishes are defrosted prior to reheating. Always follow their instructions carefully.
Microwave
1.Heating Times
On the following charts, we have listed for your convenience, many commercially prepared foods. Use the times suggested for particular foods as a guide only.
2.Containers
A time band is suggested to accommodate the use of different containers, for example, an earthenware pot will need the longer time to reheat because of its thickness, whilst a plastic or heat resistant glass will take slightly less time.
3.Power level
On some more solid dishes, such as Lasagne and Cottage Pie, it may be advisable to select a lower microwave power setting, rather than the maximum power setting, to obtain an acceptable meal. This will take longer to heat but produces an improved result to the waiting customer.
4.Defrosted Foods
It is always more benefical to reheat a defrosted product rather than a frozen one. A defrosted dish will heat evenly, faster and without the fuss and bother that a frozen dish will cause. It is important to ensure that solid,
5.Arranging Food
Remember to arrange food correctly, with the thicker parts to the outside and thinner parts to the centre.
6.Sealed Containers
If the food is contained in its own sealed container, pierce the top film with a fork to let out the excess steam. During heating, instead of stirring the food, lightly shake the container.
7.Pies - Pastry topped
Ensure the pastry is loosened from the sides of container with pastry topped meals. If the pastry has formed a seal with the container and is then heated quickly, the air trapped under the pastry expands very quickly causing the top to fly off.
8.Multiple vegetable portions
It is possible to heat vegetables with the same time per portion together.
9.Solid meals
With individual portions of solid meals, such as Lasagne and Macaroni Cheese, slightly indent the centre of the food with the back of a spoon. This will make the centre thinner and easier for the heat to penetrate.
10.Pre-browned Foods
Many commercially prepared cooked foods eg sausages may be prebrowned. They only require heating by MICROWAVE and do not require heating by COMBINATION.
Check manufacturers instructions for best result.
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