When you always have to deal with leftovers, a microwave is an essential kitchen appliance. Heating leftovers in a glass bowl in the microwave and eating straight out of it will save you an extra container to wash. However, can you put a glass bowl in the microwave?
Many glass bowls are deemed microwave safe. Using the wrong glass bowl however van ruin your dinner and the glass bowl itself. It is always safe to check the bottom of the glass bowl for a label that says “microwave safe” before putting it in the microwave.
If your glass bowl does not come with a “microwave safe” label you can place it empty in the microwave together with a glass container with about a cup of water. Microwave them on high for about one minute. If the glass bowl remains cool, then it is microwave safe.
Read more: THE BEST HOMEMADE MASHED POTATOES
A glass bowl with metal trims is always not microwave safe. The metal, when heated, could spark and cause the glass bowl to shatter. If what you have is a colored glass bowl, always look for the “microwave safe” label. The dyes used on the glass bowl may not be food safe when placed in the microwave.
A glass bowl that is not microwave safe contains tiny air bubbles. These air bubbles expand when heated and may cause the glass bowl to shatter.
Thermal Shock
Microwaves heat differently than ovens. Microwaves do not heat up the air to in turn heat the food. Microwaves pass through the food and the container. Microwaves then “tickle” the molecules contained in food to generate heat. This explains why food heated in a microwave cools quicker than what has been heated in an oven.
When a glass bowl that is not microwave safe breaks in the microwave, it will not shard but instead break into small chunks. If a microwave safe glass bowl breaks due to thermal shock (extreme changes in temperature), it can explode.
When a glass bowl goes into thermal shock, different parts of the glass expand in huge proportions. When the glass bowl is not able to deal with the uneven expansion it will shatter.
Thermal shock is often cause by placing a glass bowl just out of the microwave into something that is cold such as your granite countertop. The best thing to do is to place glass bowl just out of the microwave atop a hot pad, a dry towel or pot holder.
When Not to Use Glass Bowl in the Microwave
Your glass bowl has a “microwave safe” label. You have tested your glass bowl without a “microwave safe” and have found out that it is indeed microwave safe. Is there anything that can stop you from using your glass bowl in the microwave?
If your glass bowl has chips or even just a small crack, refrain from using it in the microwave. This will cause the entire glass bowl to shatter inside the microwave.
Can you put a glass bowl in the microwave? Yes you can! Make sure though to take all the precautionary measures to keep your glass bowl from shattering.
Q&A
Does crumbled feta cheese freeze well?
Freezing Crumbled Feta Cheese
You can freeze feta cheese crumbles, both store-bought and those that you crumbled yourself from a feta block. Both options freeze well. The best way is to pre-freeze the crumbles on a cookie sheet, then transfer frozen pieces into a freezer container and place it in the freezer.
How do you freeze feta crumbles?
If you’re freezing feta for the short term (like up to a couple of weeks), just throw it into a freezer bag. If you suspect it might sit in the freezer for longer, wrap it with plastic wrap, and then chuck into a bag. Remove as much air from the bag as you can and seal it tightly.
What is the best way to freeze feta cheese?
If you have some feta cheese getting old in the fridge, don’t throw it out! Learn how to freeze feta cheese. If the cheese is still fresh and free of any mold growth, place it in an airtight freezer container, seal and label the container, then freeze up to one month.
How long does feta cheese last in the freezer?
How long does feta last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 6 months, but will remain safe beyond that time. The freezer time shown is for best quality only – feta cheese that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
Can cooked feta be frozen?
Can You Freeze Cooked Feta Cheese? You can safely freeze any dishes that contain feta cheese. The instructions of freezing dishes that contain feta are the same as freezing fresh feta cheese. You should wrap it with a few layers of plastic paper and put it in a sealable plastic bag.
Can Greek feta cheese be frozen?
Feta cheese can be frozen, thereby extending its shelf life by anywhere up to three months. When you do freeze it, provide you follow the correct procedure, and unfreeze it properly, neither its taste of texture will suffer too much.
Can you freeze feta cheese NZ?
Yes, freezing feta cheese is perfectly safe. Though the ideal environment for feta and other soft cheese is the refrigerator, there is no harm in freezing feta for use later in a delicious recipe.
How long can you keep feta cheese once opened?
Properly stored, an opened package of feta cheese crumbles will last for about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator. Once the package is opened, consume or freeze the feta cheese crumbles within the time shown for refrigeration, even if the “Best By,” “Best if Used By,” or “Use By” date has not yet been reached.
Can I freeze gorgonzola cheese crumbles?
To freeze a wedge of Gorgonzola cheese: Cut the cheese into portions no larger than 1/2 pound each, and wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place inside a heavy-duty freezer bag.
How do you preserve feta cheese?
salt in 1 cup water in an airtight container, then submerge the cheese in the water. The feta must be completely covered, so make more brine if you don’t have enough. Seal the container and refrigerate it. The feta will keep up to 3 weeks.
How long does feta cheese crumbles last?
FETA CHEESE CRUMBLES, COMMERCIALLY PACKAGED — OPENED PACKAGE
To maximize the shelf life of feta cheese crumbles after opening, keep package tightly sealed. Properly stored, an opened package of feta cheese crumbles will last for about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator.
How do you know if feta cheese has gone bad?
Signs That Feta Cheese Has Spoiled
Feta cheese is likely to dry out in the refrigerator. Once it becomes dry, hard and gritty, it should not be consumed. While it may still be safe to eat at this point, the texture and taste will be quite unpleasant.
How long does a block of feta cheese last in the fridge?
However, as soon as you open your crumbled feta cheese, it will last only about five days if kept in the fridge. If you buy your feta cheese in a wrapped block form, it will last about a month if left unopened. Once you open it, you have about a week to consume it. Feta cheese in brine lasts the most extended period.
How do you make feta last longer?
Due to feta cheese’s crumbly texture, it can become dry very quickly, even when stored in the refrigerator. For storing feta longer than a week, it’s best to keep it in brine (a solution of water and salt) or salted milk, in order to keep it from drying out.
Can feta Dip be frozen?
Can Feta Cheese Dip be Frozen? You certainly can freeze feta cheese dip. Place it into a container with an airtight lid. Before replacing the lid, be extra cautious by wrap the top in cling film.
What can you do with extra feta cheese?
19 Delicious Ways to Use Feta Cheese
- On potatoes. Sprinkle feta on mashed potatoes or baked and scalloped potatoes.
- On pizza. Sprinkle it on top of pizza.
- In a sandwich. Drizzle the inside of a baguette with olive oil and vinegar.
- Use it in stuffing.
- Use it with salads.
- With fruit.
- Make phyllo turnovers.
- With cooked vegetables.
How long can you keep feta cheese in olive oil?
The best way to extend the shelf-life of feta cheese is to preserve it in olive oil. Add in some of your favorite herbs and spices to make it extra special. This method will keep the creamy cheese fresh for at least two weeks in the refrigerator.
How long is crumbled Gorgonzola cheese good for?
When it comes to crumbled blue cheese, it typically has a pretty long shelf life, up to half a year. What is this? Generally, as long as the package remains unopened, it should retain freshness until the date on the label, and maybe up to 2 to 3 weeks more.
Can I freeze blue cheese crumbles?
To freeze blue cheese crumbles, tightly seal original packaging and place in freezer; if freezing for longer than 2 months, place package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag in order to prevent freezer burn.
How can you tell if crumbled Gorgonzola is bad?
If it grows a grey or pink mold around the edges, or a black mold, throw it out. That’s an undesirable mold. Those molds aren’t usually dangerous, but they can make the cheese taste bad.
Is feta cheese healthy?
While feta cheese provides you with an excellent source of nutrients like calcium and protein, it also contains high amounts of sodium and saturated fat. Feta is lower in fat than many other cheeses, however, and is considered a reasonable option to eat in moderation.
What is the liquid in feta cheese?
How To Make preserving feta. Feta is a white crumbly cheese traditionally made of sheep’s or goat’s milk. It is cured and stored in brine (a solution of salt dissolved in water), but once opened, it can dry out or spoil quickly. To make it last longer here is how to make your own brine.
How do you store opened feta cheese?
Instead of wrapping your feta in plastic wrap or a plastic bag, it’s best to put it in a sealed container with some plain water. The water keeps the block from drying out and will last up to one week after you opened it.
Can I eat expired feta cheese?
When it comes to unopened blocks of feta, the shelf life of this variety is usually around two to three months. And since the saline solution the cheese is in does an excellent job of preserving it, that feta should easily last for 2 weeks up to a month past the date on the label.
Should feta smell like feet?
Feta cheese often carries a mild acidic smell. Many compare the odor with things like smelly socks, baby vomit, and feet. In this situation, feta cheese could be safe to consume.
Why is my feta slimy?
Your feta may develop a slightly melted or slimy feeling on its outer layer when stored in brine. There are a number of ways to prevent this from happening, including; Use your whey, with the salt added, instead of water to make your brine. Your whey should have the correct pH and calcium balance for your cheese.