Microwave Cookery.

Question 1

What is a microwave?

Answer 1

A microwave oven is a modern method of cooking which is totally different to a conventional oven.

Question 2

Microwave cooking requires no fire or heat and instead uses a process known as radiation. Define radiation.

Answer 2

Ultra high-frequency energy is emitted by electromagnetic waves.

Question 3

What happens when food is exposed to microwaves?

Answer 3

When food is exposed to microwaves, the molecules of water in the food are stirred up and the vibrations cause friction, which releases heat energy.

Question 4

What happens as an effect of the oven being cool and what does it mean?

Answer 4

Moisture from the food evaporates and condenses on the outside, as the oven itself is cool. This means that the outside of food is cooler than the inside.

Question 5

What should the temperature of food be after heating?

Answer 5

The food temperature after heating should be at least 70°C.

Question 6

What must be repositioned or stirred at intervals to ensure even cooking or heating?

Answer 6

Soups and stews must be stirred to ensure even heating. Chicken pieces e.g. must be repositioned at intervals to ensure even cooking.

Question 7

Fill inthe missing spaces:

Microwaves are ______, ________, or ________ by different materials.

Answer 7

Microwaves are reflected, transmitted, or absorbed by different materials.

Question 8

How does reflection work in a microwave?

Answer 8

Microwaves are reflected from metal, which does not heat up. Inside an oven, microwaves bounce off the metal, hit the food, and are absorbed by it.

Question 9

How does transmission work in a microwave?

Answer 9

Materials such as paper, china, and some plastics allow microwaves to pass through them but do not heat up.

Question 10

How does absorption work in a microwave?

Answer 10

Some materials e.g. food, absorb microwaves and becomes hot.

Question 11

What are the five suitable containers for microwave?

Answer 11

• Oven-proof glass.
• Ceramics.
• China.
• Paper.
• Some plastic containers.

Question 12

What are the three unsuitable containers for microwaves?

Answer 12

Metal foil dishes.
Melamine plastic ware.
Polystyrene containers.

Question 13

Why are metal foil dishes unsuitable for microwaves?

Answer 13

They cause permanent damage as the microwaves reflect back to the magnetrons.

Question 14

Why are melamine plastic ware unsuitable for microwaves?

Answer 14

May scorch and char.

Question 15

Why are polystyrene containers unsuitable for microwaves?

Answer 15

Deform and give off a strong odour if heated for too long.

Question 16

What are the three rules for microwave cooking?

Answer 16

• Do not turn on an empty oven.
• Kepp the microwave clean - the waves will be reflected effectively.
• Choose the correct containers.

Question 17

Most foods can be cooked in the microwave. What are the exceptions of this statement?

Answer 17

The exceptions are pastries and some cake mixtures. Whole eggs cannot be cooked as they explode.

Question 18

What are the three disadvantages of microwave cooking?

Answer 18

• It is easy to overcook the food, so careful attention must be paid to timing.
• In a conventional microwave oven, food will not become crisp, and may not develop textures, colors, or characteristic flavor.
• Irregularly shaped food may affect the cooking time and finished result of foods cooked on the same plate (my increase the risk of food poisoning).

Question 19

What are the nine advantages of microwave cooking?

Answer 19

• Food is cooked very quickly. This cuts down on fuel costs, prep time, and wastage.
• The kitchen doesn’t become hot and is safer for elderly or disabled people to use.
• It is useful for preparing foods and meals that are required quickly and for entertaining.
• There is less heat destruction of nutrients as cooking time is short.
• There is less danger of food poisoning as food does not have to be kept warm, providing it is thoroughly cooked or reheated.
• Oven is usually portable and can be placed on an ordinary worktop and operated from a normal mains supply.
• Frozen food can be defrosted.
• Food can be cooked and served in the same dish - which saves washing up.
• The serving dish is not heated by the microwaves and therefore be handled.