Seriously, stop reheating leftovers in the container they came in. that's why
When hunger and laziness gather together and reheat last night’s takeout or leftover pasta you take home from a restaurant microwave Seems like the best idea. However, if you do it incorrectly, you can ingest microplastics and harmful chemicals.
But is plastic pollution as dangerous as experts say? All signs point to yes. One study showed that the chemical exposure of the resulting microplastics poses a significant health risk, which is associated with an increase in medical problems such as infertility and even cancer.
Most takeaway containers are not thermally protected
Most black plastic containers are not microwave-safe.
“If you use takeaway containers to reheat food, you need to mark it as heat protection,” advises Ricardo Jarquin, executive chef at Loews Coral Gables in Miami. “Most restaurants don’t use them because they’re more expensive.”
Aluminum, cardboard and paper-based containers are usually free of plastic and can safely store and reheat food. Cheap plastic takeaway containers are mostly unsafe and should never be used to reheat food. The situation with styrofoam is even worse because it melts in the microwave, which clearly shows that it is an unsafe container that heats food.
Read more: These 7 takeaway containers do not belong to recycling bins
What to replace plastic
It may sound like more work will be done, but bringing your own food storage container for leftovers is the safest bet.
So, what's the best way to heat this delicious meal? We chat with Jarquin, who is responsible for the culinary operations and food safety protocols for the major hotel chains in four seasons including Hilton and Marriott, and Hope Montgomery, Hope Montgomery, owner of Brick & Mortar in St. Petersburg, Florida, to make Skinny lose weight in safe use of takeaway containers.
Ideally, restaurants are using compostable paper, aluminum or cardboard products that can be found on Brick & Mortar and are the material of choice for Montgomery. One way to make sure that food is stored and reheated in a thermally protected container (whether it is initial temperature or through a microwave) is to simply use your own.
“The safest containers are free of BPA, and even better with glass glass like Pyrex,” Jarquin advises. “Stainless steel and aluminum are also great, just not for microwaves.”
One of our favorite choices is Colorful 10-piece kit This provides convenience in multiple sizes. This means you can limit the shape to suit the amount you plan to reheat or take home from the restaurant, from the whole entree to a few bites of dessert.
Beware of plastic containers sold safely with microwaves and freezers
Many plastic containers are sold as “freezers and microwave safe”, but that's not the case.
Many plastic containers are sold as “freezer and microwave safe”, but this is mainly marketing jargon. Plastic containers should never actually be frozen or microwaved. Ziploc and Rubbermaid are facing lawsuits to promote their plastic-based containers as “microwave safety” and “freezer safety”. When heating, it was found that the plastic containers were immersed in the food. When frozen, the plastic often breaks and contaminates food.
How to Heat Food Safely
Deli containers may be considered food safe, but glass and ceramics are the safer choices for reheating food in a microwave.
More important Heat the food and tastes great Make sure that meals are safe. Never heat leftovers into non-heat-safe boats. These include most cheap plastic containers used in restaurants, such as plastic lid shells or black plastic containers. Delicates (such as chicken salads you get from the grocery store) are considered “safe food” but still not recommended to use them in high temperatures to reheat food.
Always use glass or ceramic when reheating food in the microwave. Keep any container, lid or utensil containing plastic or rubber and for use only.
How to reheat food so it tastes good
The fryer is one of our favorite ways to re-leave leftovers.
In addition to the risk of plastic exposure when storing hot food in these containers, you also need to make sure that reheat leftovers maintain overall quality.
“Although microwaves are easy, it is usually possible to achieve better results by heating them on the stovetop,” Montgomery said. “Extra fats like olive oil and butter, as well as seasonings, may also help,” she added. He noted that this has nothing to do with certain dishes, such as her restaurant's famous beef tenderloin beef Carpaccio, which should be consumed all over its overall range.
Jarquin responded to these emotions. “When heating the remaining leftovers to one Frying pan Or in oven“He stressed that some dishes tasted even better when enjoyed the next day.” At Americana Kitchen, Rigatoni on the next day and vodka sauce continued to get more delicious. Plus, any of our pizza or mushroom pasta will definitely get better the next day. The taste is more soaked and the texture remains good when heated slowly. ” he said.
Jarquin recommends enjoying other foods at home after dining include “stews, curries, chili and lasagna”, which are usually items whose tastes can continue to develop overnight.
Focus on bacterial growth
Foods, including cooking, can develop bacteria quickly even if they cannot be stored correctly.
Another risk to consider for leftovers is the rapid formation of bacteria that can lead to temporary and sometimes serious illness. In short, the longer the food sits, the faster these spores grow.
“The general rule is that it takes about two hours at room temperature, and if it's really hot, it takes one hour” (usually above 90 degrees Fahrenheit). “After that, the bacteria can grow rapidly, and you don't always see or smell it. That's why it's important to either eat food hot, cool or keep it in proper storage.”
Read more: I'm not with the rest of the rice – nor should you
At the end of the day, if you have the slightest concern about microplastics and/or foodborne illnesses, no leftovers deserve temporary satisfaction. Accept your own losses and tasks by whipping your own homemade delicacies to ensure safe, plastic-free bites in the comfortable kitchen.
For a comprehensive guide to food safety protocols, please check out the CDC Four steps to food safety.
