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History of Microwaves • In 1945, Dr. Perry Spencer, a scientist, was working in a lab when he felt some heat on his hand. The heat was coming from microwaves. These were being emitted from a nearby vacuum tube. Dr. Spencer was curious and place a chocolate bar near the tube. Within seconds, the chocolate melted. That sticky mess was the beginning of a brilliant idea – the microwave!
How Does a Microwave Work? • The microwave oven generates electromagnetic waves (called microwaves) which makes water move. This motion leads to friction, and friction leads to heating. friction heating motion
How Does a Microwave Work? • This heat starts on the outside of the food and moves in. • The denser the food the longer it will take to cook. • Water will heat faster than a burrito, because a burrito is more dense than water.
Microwaves • Microwaves are attracted to foods that are high in: sugar fat water
Microwave-able Containers • Paper • Plastic • Glass • Microwaveable Dishes
Non-Microwave-able Containers • Metal • Dishes with gold or silver on it.
Acceptable coverings for microwave dishes: • Paper towel – to absorb moisture, spatters, and spills. • Wax paper – holds in some of the moisture • Plastic wrap – hold in moisture
Techniques for Microwaving • Stirring: To pull heated part of the food to the center • Turning over: To microwave all sides • Rotating: Makes cooking even • Pricking: To keep foods from exploding • Standing Time: To allow foods to complete its cooking by placing on the counter.
Cooking Time • These will increase the cooking time and standing time. • The volume of the food • Example: Small potatoes versus large potatoes • The quantity or number of food • Round containers will cook more evenly than square containers.
Microwave Safety • To prevent burning yourself from microwave cooking, remember: • Foods can create hot containers • Items can explode (eggs, potatoes). Pierce them with a fork. • Lifting the cover or plastic from the food can cause a burn. • Hot steam escaping can cause a burn