What are the secrets to defrosting food quickly with the microwave oven? And what should you be aware of?
The microwave oven’s defrosting function is very important when you have little time but would like to enjoy a tasty lunch or dinner. Defrosting with the microwave oven allows you not only to save time but also to keep your food’s nutritional properties unaltered, while also preventing the proliferation of external agents. But how does the microwave oven’s defrosting function work? And what are the tips for defrosting food properly?
How can you defrost food quickly in the microwave oven?
If you forgot to defrost food the day before or are simply in a hurry and want to cook, say, some salmon or chicken quickly, the microwave oven is the ideal solution for you. Almost all of these ovens now have a defrosting function, which heats food gradually at a low power (usually below 350 Watts). The microwave oven’s defrosting program operates by alternating periods of wave emission with periods of rest so as to allow conduction the time to act and make the food’s temperature uniform.
This intermittent process is crucial to achieving a great result, whether that be tender meat, soft fish or fragrant bread. And of course, the food’s properties are preserved and any external agents that might make us feel unwell are eliminated. To defrost using the microwave oven, it is important to turn the food from time to time so as to avoid cooking the food. Food defrosted in the microwave cannot be stored but must then be cooked.
Rules to defrosting in the microwave oven
To understand the best way to defrost food with the microwave oven, you should follow some important tips:
- First of all, foods that are to be defrosted in the microwave oven should be covered with cling film or greaseproof paper. In this way, the food will defrost more quickly and conserve more moisture.
- If you want to use the defrosting function to bring large portions of food to room temperature, first use a high oven power for a few minutes, then switch to an average power for the same number of minutes and to a lower power towards the end.
- Precooked frozen products, which are generally stored in aluminium trays, must be placed in non-metallic containers before defrosting.
- In the case of sliced meats, steaks and pieces of stewing meat, these should be separated after an initial defrosting phase so that they can reach the ideal temperature earlier.
- Meat such as chicken should be defrosted by turning the chest upwards and protecting protruding parts such as wings and legs so that they don’t start cooking.
- To defrost foods such as bread or croissants, instead, our suggestion is to wrap them in a paper towel so as to absorb any moisture.
If you don't have much time to defrost your frozen foods, don't worry - the Hoover microwave ovens are on the case! With their innovative technology, all you have to do is set the defrosting time and the oven’s special defrosting program will take care of the rest. Your food will be perfectly defrosted, without altering its flavour, consistency and aroma. In addition, defrosting will prevent the formation of bacteria.
