Surprising Healthy Uses for Your Microwave

Surprising Uses for Your Microwave

Did you know that you can harness the power and speed of your microwave to steam vegetables, sanitize sponges, and even make scrambled eggs? Here are some other uses you may not have heard about.

Dry Herbs

You can turn fresh herbs into dried seasonings for food. Place leaves in a single layer between two paper towels, and heat on high for 1 minute per cup. This method works best on parsley, basil, and celery leaves.

Toast Nuts

Spread them in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish, then add oil or butter - about half a teaspoon for every cup of nuts or seeds - and heat them on high in your microwave for about a minute. Check to make sure they're done, adding time in small amounts as needed until they're lightly brown and have that nice smell.

Baked Apples

For a speedier soft apple, peel, and core it, and either leave it whole or cut it into pieces. Fill or cover with a tablespoon of butter and any spices or seasonings you prefer, like cinnamon. Cover it with plastic wrap and heat on high for 2½ to 3 minutes.

Baked Potatoes

Microwaves can give you fluffy baked potatoes in a fraction of the time your oven can. First, scrub your potatoes and prick several holes in them with a fork. That'll give steam a way to escape. Cook one potato for 7 to 8 minutes, two for 10 to 12, and four for 14 to 18, or until soft. Don't forget to flip your potatoes halfway through.

Scrambled Eggs

Want a hot breakfast, but short on time? Microwave your eggs. Crack one egg into a microwave-safe bowl or mug you've coated with nonstick spray. Mix in a tablespoon of milk or water, and cook on high for 30-45 seconds. Stir, then let it sit for 2-3 minutes.

Steam Veggies

Arrange fresh vegetables in a microwave-safe dish. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of water and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. (Make sure to leave space for the steam to escape.) Microwave your vegetables on high for 3 to 7 minutes (depending on the vegetable) or until soft.

Cook Homemade Chicken Soup

Combine diced vegetables, canned beans, canned chunked chicken, and broth in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap. Cook times will vary but are usually between 15 and 30 minutes. Make sure to stir your soup several times during the heating process to make sure every bite is heated through.

Sanitize Sponges

All it takes is 1 minute on high in the microwave to kill bacteria on your kitchen sponges. Wet them first so they don't catch fire, and also check to it doesn't have a metallic scrub pad. If yours does, put it in the dishwasher instead.

Microwave Tips

Check for the "microwave safe" label on containers before heating food in them. Avoid foam containers, and never heat metal. Chemicals in plastic wraps may seep into your food if you cook in them. For even cooking, pick a round container over the square, and cut food into equal-sized pieces when possible.

Cancer Risk?

There is no proof microwaves cause cancer. They cook your food by making the water molecules inside vibrate and give off heat. Your food isn't radioactive after you microwave it, and properly working microwaves don't give off enough radiation to put you at risk of cancer, either.

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