The Importance of Using a Lid when Heating Food in the Microwave

The rapid movement of modern life imposed on many people new habits, such as ordering ready-made food, instead of cooking it at home, and heating it through electrical appliances instead of doing it over a quiet fire, as was the case in the past.

Although these devices allowed us to keep up with the speed imposed by modern life, they endanger our health if we do not adhere to some simple instructions, such as those offered by the French expert in virology, Ossine Sorel.

Sorel said in a post on Instagram that certain rules must be followed when reheating any dish, and indicated that there is a common mistake that may lead to some health risks.

In addition to saying that food must be kept at a certain cold, according to generally accepted health rules, to avoid any risks, “the same applies to heating it.”

And this specialist says that when you reheat your dish in the microwave, you have to be careful about the type of dish you use, “and above all not to make a very common mistake, which we all do … not to cover the dish.”

Why is the lid important when heating a dish in the microwave?

In a video explainer, Sorrell reveals why it’s so important to cover microwaved dishes. “Without covering the food, it is not possible to obtain a uniform temperature in the food, which does not allow all bacteria in the food to be killed with the same power of heat.”

“The lid keeps moisture in the pot and helps prevent food from drying out when reheated,” she adds.

It also explains that reheating in a microwave oven, without a lid, does not guarantee a uniform temperature throughout the food, and does not, in this case, allow sterilization resulting from reheating in a pan.

Therefore, it is recommended to reheat the food in a covered container until the steam escapes, as this is a sign of reaching a high temperature everywhere (inside the dish).

“The next time you reheat something in the microwave, consider using a lid,” she concludes.

How to clean the microwave quickly?

Sorrell also recommended cleaning the microwave regularly, especially if you use it a lot.

It may happen that pieces of moldy food end up on the walls of the appliance, and if you do not remove them quickly, the moisture from reheating another dish will encourage the growth of bacteria. So it is best to get rid of these residues as soon as possible and this requires wiping it down on a regular basis.

And for a good and quick cleanup, “heat water mixed with lemon juice in the microwave. This mixture will evaporate on the walls of the device,” and then all you have to do is wipe it with a clean microfiber cloth.