Physicist George Vekinis claims that the perfect steak should be microwaved and never salted, as salting draws out water and makes the meat tough. He advises pre-warming the steak in the microwave before frying and cooking each side for a maximum of one minute. Vekinis recommends achieving a medium rare temperature of at least 55-60°C (131-140°F) for optimal taste and safety. However, his advice contradicts popular celebrity chefs who recommend salting the steak before cooking. Another chef found that salting immediately before cooking produced an excellent sear without affecting the meat's moisture.
Nissin, the maker of Cup Noodles, has announced that it will be updating the design of its iconic product in 2024, replacing the polystyrene packaging with paper, making it microwaveable. This revelation has caused confusion among consumers who have been microwaving Cup Noodles despite the label clearly stating not to do so. Microwaving polystyrene can release harmful substances into the food, and it can also compromise the structural integrity of the container. The new packaging will be more environmentally friendly, made with recycled fiber and without plastic wraps. Additionally, the new design will eliminate the need for boiling water, reducing the heating time.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that microwaving plastic baby food containers releases millions of microplastic particles and billions of nanoplastic particles per square centimeter in just three minutes. The health effects of consuming these particles are unclear, but the researchers found that exposing infant kidney cells to the plastic particles resulted in only 23% of the cells surviving. Experts are calling for more proactive regulation by the FDA and increased awareness among consumers about the presence of plastic particles in food.
Experts are warning against a dangerous TikTok trend that involves microwaving boiled eggs until they explode, as it can cause life-changing injuries and damage vision. Videos of people slicing into the eggs, causing them to burst into steam, have gained millions of views. Eye doctors warn that the hot steam and flying debris can cause burns and injuries to the face, skin, and eyes, potentially leading to scarring and long-term vision issues. Medical attention should be sought for any injuries resulting from attempting this trend.
Plastic baby food pouches release high numbers of microplastic particles when heated in a microwave oven, according to a study by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The study found that even organic baby food products packaged in plastic pouches released significant amounts of microplastics when heated. The researchers discovered that one container released approximately 580,000 microplastic particles after being refrigerated for six months, and an additional 4 million particles when heated in a microwave. The findings highlight the potential health and environmental implications of plastic packaging in the food industry.
