Defrosting food using your microwave oven is the quickest method of all.
It is a simple process but the following instructions are essential to ensure the food is thor-
oughly defrosted.
Rearrange
Foods that are placed towards the outside of the dish will defrost quick-
er than foods in the centre. It is therefore essential that the food is rear-
ranged up to 4 times during defrosting.
Move closely packed pieces from the outside to the centre and rear-
range over-lapping areas.
This will ensure that all parts of the food defrosts evenly.
Separate
Foods may be stuck together when removed from the freezer. It is im-
portant to separate foods as soon as it is possible during defrosting.
e.g. bacon rashers, chicken fillets.
Shield
Some areas of food being defrosted may become warm. To prevent
them becoming warmer and starting to cook, these areas can be
shielded with small pieces of foil, which reflect microwaves. e.g. legs
and wings on a chicken.
Stand
Standing time is necessary to ensure food is thoroughly defrosted.
Defrosting is not complete once the food is removed from the micro-
wave oven. Food must stand, covered, for a length of time to ensure the
centre has completely defrosted.
Turn over
It is essential that all foods are turned over at least 3 - 4 times during
defrosting. This is important to ensure thorough defrosting.
NOTES:
• Remove all packaging and wrapping before defrosting.
• To defrost food, use microwave power levels MEDIUM LOW or LOW.
DEFROSTING ADVICE
GB-30