Preparing meals for your family can be more convenient with the use of Ziploc bags. It is great for storage and keeping your meals fresh and secure.
Most people are not aware of the amazing things that you can use with your Ziploc bags at home. One convenient benefit is you can use it to microwave food in order to reheat or even defrost food aside from using it as a sandwich bag or food packaging.
A common misconception is that plastic bag is not allowed in the microwave heat because they can easily melt. However, this is not the case with your Ziploc bags at home.
With this article, you will learn more about the things that you need to know when you opt to microwave your Ziploc bags in your kitchen.
Read here to find out whether you can microwave paper plates.
What are Ziploc Bags?
Ziploc bags are resealable plastic bags that are commonly used for properly storing your food in the fridge, keeping your meals in one bag in case you are traveling, and other purposes that are mainly for storage.
They are made up of interlocking zipper seal that allows people to conveniently open and close them. Not to mention a great way of preserving freshness and preventing spills in your food.
What Kind of Plastic is Ziploc Bags Made Of?
These bags are mainly made up of polyethylene low density also called LDPE. This particular type is commonly used in rigid plastic containers. Manufacturers mix different polyethylene densities to get the preferred strength and flexibility for different bag types.
The polyethylene low density is also used in products that come into direct contact with food. It has the capacity to be able to withstand both heat and freezing.
Some Ziploc brand bags also meet the safety requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for various temperatures such as reheating food in microwave ovens, defrosting your meats, as well as for refrigerator and freezer storage. It just shows how adaptable Ziploc bags are to the temperature.
Thus, it is a type of plastic that is commonly used by homeowners for food storage because of its flexibility and durability which is at the same time safe to be in contact with your food.
Are Ziploc Bags BPA Free?
Yes, the majority of Ziploc bags that are sold today are labeled as BPA-free. Most people are concerned about the presence of the chemical BPA (bisphenol A) in their kitchen tools and storage materials because it is associated with potential health risks. Some plastics are made up of this harmful chemical which you should be aware of.
In line with this, most producers and sellers of plastics, including Ziploc bags, have finally adapted the process of making BPA-free materials in response to these health concerns that were raised by different users.
Are Ziploc Bags Microwave Safe?
Yes, there are brands of Ziploc bags that are considered microwave-safe. Before using your Ziploc bags at home, it is still recommended that you check the specific instructions indicated in the box or their packaging. It will help you ensure that you are using them in the correct way and prevent any mishaps along the way.
Hence, if there are no labels that it is not safe for microwave cooking, you may consider using other types of microwave-safe containers before heating your food.
How Long Can You Microwave a Ziploc Bag?
If you are only reheating a small amount of food in your microwave, it will take you around 30 seconds or less. In case you have more food to reheat inside your Ziploc bags, it is better to follow the 30-second interval to ensure that it will not overheat.
Monitoring your food during the process will also help you have hot meals in just a matter of seconds. Avoid overheating your ziploc bags because they can still melt or worse, release harmful chemicals that are not good for your body.
Do’s and Don’t of Microwaving Ziploc Bags
There are some important things that you must remember when using your Ziploc bags at home. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts in the microwave when you reheat your meals and cook food stored in Ziploc bags.
Do:
- Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer on the packaging of your Ziploc bags.
- Use microwave-safe Ziploc bags if available because it is the most suitable for the heat that is emitted in the microwave oven.
Don’t:
- Use Ziploc bags that are not labeled as microwave-safe in reheating your food.
- Place the bags in the microwave longer than the recommended time to avoid overheating.
Are Ziploc Bags Heat Safe?
Yes, ziploc containers microwave safe are designed to withstand up to a certain temperature which often varies depending on the products and where you will reheat them.
To know more about your ziploc bag’s heat resistance, you can always check it in the packaging or box which contains all the information that you need for the proper use of the product.
How Much Heat Can a Ziploc Bag Take?
Considering that they are made from Polyethylene plastic, they will start to soften at about 195 degrees Fahrenheit or 90.6 degrees Celsius.
In case you use a ziploc bag in boiling water which is around 212 degrees F or 100 degrees Celsius, they will slowly melt. Being mindful of the temperature will also help you in proper food preparation using your Ziploc bags.
Remember that the heat resistance of your Ziploc bags may vary depending on how it was manufactured. There is information in the packing that will indicate the temperature that they are suitable for and the limit that you must not reach to avoid any risks.
Once you exceed the recommended heat limits mentioned can eventually cause the melting of your Ziploc bags, so it’s essential to always use caution and follow the instructions.
Microwaving Ziploc Bags Simplifies Our Cooking
For your next grocery run, do not forget to get some ziplock bags for your cooking needs. A great addition to your plastic storage stash that can be used for different purposes.
You can also use it to reheat your meals and properly store your food in the fridge. It will also help you prevent any food contamination because of the proper food handling and storage.
Is Tupper microwave safe? Read here now.
