DEFROSTING ADVICE
Defrosting food using your microwave oven is the quickest method of all. It is a simple proccess but the following instructions are essential to ensure the food is thoroughly defrosted.
Rearrange
Foods that are placed towards the outside of the dish will defrost quicker than foods in the centre. It is therefore essential that the food is rearranged up to 4 times during defrosting. Move closely packed pieces from the outside to the centre and rearrange overlapping areas. This will ensure that all parts of the food defrosts evenly. Foods may be stuck together when removed from the freezer. It is important to separate foods as soon as it is possible during defrosting. e.g. bacon rashers, chicken fillets. 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. Standing time is necessary to ensure food is thoroughly defrosted. Defrosting is not complete once the food is removed from the microwave oven. Food must stand, covered, for a length of time to ensure the centre has completely defrosted. It is essential that all foods are turned over up to 4 times during defrosting. This is important to ensure thorough defrosting.
Separate
Shield
Stand
Turn over
NOTES: � Remove all packaging and wrapping before defrosting. � To defrost food, use microwave power levels from 30% to 10%.
