The US engineer Percy LeBaron Spencer presented the first "micro" back in 1947. Initially ridiculed as a niche product, it is now impossible to imagine most households without this amazingly versatile appliance. Critics often argue that microwaving food is unhealthy - but nutrients are lost with every form of heating, and no more so in the microwave than in a pot. Experts also see no danger to users from the appliance's radiation. All right, so let's make use of all its capabilities. Like this one, for example:

More juice from the lemon

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and strengthens our immune system. Tip: We can extract up to 3 times more juice from the citrus fruit if we put it in the microwave for 20 seconds at 600 watts before squeezing.

Chopping onions without crying

Cut off the ends of the onions and place them in the microwave for 30 seconds at full power. You can then cut them without crying.

Liquid honey

Once crystallized, it is almost impossible to get it out of the jar. You can quickly make it liquid again by heating it for approx. 2 minutes at 450 watts.

Peel tomatoes more easily

It's quicker and saves energy to heat tomatoes instead of scalding them. Place the tomatoes in the microwave at 800 watts for 30 seconds. Leave to cool for 2 minutes, then peel.

Dry the herbs

A bunch of parsley or a pot of basil is often too much to overcook. Before the herbs go limp, spread them out loosely on a kitchen towel and dry at 600 watts for 4 minutes. Then store in a screw-top jar.

Baking a baguette

We like it crispy and fresh, leathery from the day before is no longer a pleasure. Then wrap in a damp kitchen towel and "bake" in the microwave for around 10 seconds at 800 watts. Repeat until the crust is really crispy again.

Spice up potato chips

Unfortunately, the crispy fun quickly becomes soggy when the potato chips come into contact with air. You can make them crispy again by placing them on a kitchen towel and heating them briefly at 800 watts.

By the way...

You can easily clean the microwave by heating a cup of water and 2 tablespoons of vinegar in the appliance at 800 watts for 5 minutes. The vinegar vapor dissolves greasy residues, which can then be easily wiped off.

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