It is essential to follow proper food safety guidelines when using a microwave to avoid potential health risks. Cooking certain types of foods in a microwave that are not recommended may lead to undercooking, uneven cooking, or the growth of harmful bacteria.
That being said, there are some non-conventional uses for a microwave that are considered safe and effective. Here are a few tricks you can try:
Softening brown sugar: Place a piece of moistened paper towel on top of the hardened brown sugar and microwave it in short intervals (10-15 seconds) until softened. Be careful not to overheat it, as the sugar could melt.
Toasting nuts and seeds: Spread nuts or seeds on a microwave-safe plate and microwave them in short bursts (30 seconds to 1 minute) until lightly toasted. Stir them between intervals to ensure even toasting.
Peeling garlic: Microwave whole garlic cloves for about 10 seconds to loosen the skin, making it easier to peel.
Sterilizing kitchen sponges: Wet the sponge and microwave it on high for 1-2 minutes to kill some bacteria. Note that this does not completely sterilize it and should not be a replacement for regular sponge replacement.
Reviving stale bread or chips: Place a damp paper towel near the bread or chips and microwave for a few seconds to add some moisture, making them slightly less stale.
Prepping citrus fruits: Microwaving citrus fruits for 15-20 seconds can help to release more juice when you squeeze them.
Always exercise caution when trying any unconventional microwave techniques and make sure to use microwave-safe dishes and containers. For cooking raw meats, seafood, and other potentially hazardous foods, it is best to use conventional cooking methods like baking, grilling, or stovetop cooking to ensure safe and even cooking.