Saran wrap is a kind of cling film or plastic wrap that is used to cover food and prevent it from getting contaminated. Since it is used in a vast number of cases, most of us wonder, is saran wrap microwave safe?
Yes, saran wrap is microwave safe as saran wrap ensures that all the safety guidelines and precautions as indicated by FDA are adhered to by this brand.
In general, plastics have adverse effects on meals and health so precautions, as laid by USDA, should still be followed while using them.
History of Saran wrap
Earlier, saran wrap was made up of polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) but due to the environment and health hazards caused by it, polyethylene material is used in its production now.
Temperature limit of Saran wrap
As compared to glass and parchment paper, the temperature limit of it is low and it can start melting around 220-250 degrees Fahrenheit. This is not an issue with microwaves as a lower temperature is reached in most of the microwaves.
Precautions taken while using Saran Wrap in the microwave:
Below are some precautionary measures which should be taken while using saran wrap in the microwave:
- Always use that Saran wrap in the microwave that has a label of ‘microwave-safe’ on its box.
- Always leave some space between the saran wrap and the food. It is recommended to put a gap of 1 inch between the food and the saran wrap.
- Since Saran wrap is air proof, you should make holes in the wrap while using it to cook/heat food in the microwave. This procedure will allow air to escape from the food. If this is not done, saran wrap will find a way to release air in the food and this can cause the wrap to melt or burst as there is a rise in heat inside.
- It should not be used to cover oily food with Saran wrap. This is because the oil gets hotter as compared to other food types. When such food is heated with Saran wrap on it in the microwave, heat produced can lead to melting of the wrap.
- It is advised not to heat saran wrap for more than 5 minutes at once. If the food requires more heating, turn off the microwave for 1 minute in between and then continue the procedure. Continue this until the food is completely heated or cooked.
Does saran wrap shrink when heated?
No, saran wrap does not shrink when heated. It is made up of high-quality plastic which does not get affected by heat and does not get attached to the food wrapped or covered with it.
Saran wrap is cling film that is stretched to cover the food. On the other hand, there are shrink wraps in the market which is used to pack items to provide them with a tamper-proof and protective barrier. The shrink wrap is cut according to the items and then heat is applied to make it fit tightly to the items.
How to microwave corn on the cob in saran wrap?
To microwave corn on the cob in saran wrap, the following steps should be followed:
- Remove hair and husk from the corn and discard them.
- Use saran wrap to wrap the corn in the cob and seal it completely.
- Keep it inside the microwave and run at high for 2 ½ minutes.
- Turn the corn and run the microwave on high for another 1 ½ minutes.
- Remove the corn from the microwave. Be careful in doing so as it can be hot.
- Allow the corn on the cob with saran wrap to rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the saran wrap and take precautions in doing so as steam can be present.
- Now, you can eat the corn on the cob. Sprinkle some salt and apply butter, if required, while serving to enhance its taste.
How long can saran wrap be microwaved?
Saran wrap can be microwaved for less than 5 minutes at a stretch at high temperature.
While heating the food in the microwave covered with saran wrap, you should take some precautions. One of these is to heat the food with less than 5 minutes in the microwave, switch off the microwave for 1 minute, and then reheat it again if required.
Each set of heating in the microwave should not be more than 5 minutes at a high temperature. This will prevent the food from overheating and also prevents the potential melting of the saran wrap.
In case the food covered with saran wrap is heated in the microwave at a low temperature then you can microwave it for more than 5 minutes and there is no need to switch off the microwave in between.
Can Saran wrap melt into food?
No, saran wrap cannot melt into food until it is heated up to 220 – 250 degrees.
Saran wrap is often used in restaurant/hotels and home kitchens to cover the dish in which food is kept and then microwaved to prevent it from getting splatter.
It is made up of high-grade plastic which is not impacted at a temperature below 220 degrees. Since, in the microwave, this temperature is not reached, it is perfectly safe to use saran wrap while heating food in the microwave.
On the other hand, saran wrap should not be used in conventional ovens, toasters, or stovetops as in these, the temperature can rise to a great degree and so, the saran wrap can melt and leech into the food. The food becomes unfit to consume and this practice should be avoided.
Conclusion
Finally, we conclude that there is increasing use of saran wrap in the microwave these days as it contains no harmful chemicals and is perfectly safe to use in the microwave if it is labeled as microwave-safe.
While using saran wrap inside the microwave, you must follow some precautions mentioned above. One such precaution is to avoid exposing saran wrap to extremely high temperatures.
I hope the information provided in this post is helpful to you.