News

Five Foods You Should Never Microwave: Here’s Why

Published

2 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Microwaves are convenient for reheating meals and defrosting ingredients, but some foods just don’t belong in them. Uneven heating, altered textures, and even potential hazards make these foods better left out of the microwave. Here’s why you should avoid microwaving these five common items.

1. Frozen Meat

Microwaves might have a “defrost” setting, but fully cooking frozen meat in them often leads to dry, rubbery, and unevenly cooked results. Since microwaves heat from the outside in, the outer layers can overcook while the inside remains frozen. For best results, thaw frozen meat overnight in the refrigerator or give it a quick microwave defrost before finishing it on the stove, in the oven, or on the grill.

2. Chili Peppers

Microwaving chili peppers releases capsaicin—the compound responsible for their spiciness—into the air. This can create irritating fumes that may sting your eyes and throat when you open the microwave door. For safer results, heat chili peppers on the stove, where you can better control the process.

3. Frozen Fruits

Although microwaving frozen fruits might seem like a time-saver, it can ruin their texture, affect their flavor, and even strip away some nutrients. Fruits like strawberries and blueberries often turn mushy when microwaved. Instead, allow them to thaw naturally at room temperature or in the fridge for a better experience.

4. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Heating hard-boiled eggs in the microwave can be a recipe for disaster. The steam trapped inside the egg can cause it to explode, creating a mess and even posing a risk of burns. Whether shelled or unshelled, it’s best to enjoy hard-boiled eggs cold or gently warm them on the stove.

5. Breast Milk

Microwaving breast milk is not only unsafe but can also degrade its nutritional quality. Uneven heating may create hotspots that could burn your baby’s mouth. A gentler approach is to warm the milk by placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water or using a bottle warmer to preserve its nutrients.

While microwaves are incredibly useful for many purposes, not all foods are suitable for this quick-heating method. To maintain texture, flavor, and safety, keep these five foods away from the microwave and use alternative methods instead.

News

More trouble for Adebutu as police re-arrest him

Published

52 minutes ago

November 20, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Ogun State Police Command last night re-arrested Ladi Adebutu, former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

His re-arrest was in connection with the disturbances that occurred during the local government elections in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government, last Saturday.

Adebutu’s re-arrest followed his recent release from the Department of State Services (DSS), where he had been interrogated on similar allegations.

At press time, Adebutu was in police custody.

He is accused of recruiting about 40 unauthorised police officers from Lagos and coordinating PDP thugs to disrupt the local government election.

After he was earlier released yesterday, he said: “At about 7am on Tuesday, November 19, I was released by the Department of State Services in Abeokuta, following an invitation to answer to spurious accusations arising from the November 16 local government election in Ogun State. My arrest and detention by DSS are meant to silence me.’’

News

Edo Assembly okays 20 special advisers for Okpebholo

Published

60 minutes ago

November 20, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The 24-member Edo State House of Assembly has approved Governor Monday Okpebholo’s request to appoint 20 special advisers, to enhance effective administration.

The approval followed a letter submitted by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Musa Ikhilor, seeking the house’s consent for the appointments.

The motion for the approval was moved by the Majority Leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian, seconded by the Minority Leader, Eric Okaka.

Aiguobarueghian cited Section 196 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which granted the governor the authority to appoint special advisers.

The motion received unanimous support during a voice vote, clearing the way by the Chief Blessing Agbebaku-led House of Assembly for Okpebholo to proceed with the appointments.

The assembly also received a letter from the governor, nominating Emmanuel Okoebor as commissioner for Finance-designate, while requesting the lawmakers to confirm the appointment.

Governor Okpebholo yesterday kicked off construction of the first flyover at the popular Ramat Park, Benin, as part of efforts to reduce traffic congestion in the city.

News

B’Haram kills five soldiers, burns military trucks in Borno attack

Published

1 hour ago

November 20, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province terrorists have attacked troops at the Gubio Local Government area of Borno State, killing five.

Also, 10 soldiers were wounded and four are missing in action.

The troops, during the attack, also killed many of the terrorists.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the incident.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, said the attack would not discourage the troops in the counter-terrorism operations in the state and beyond.

He said, “The coordinated attack saw five killed in action soldiers, 10 wounded, and four missing in action, while troops eliminated several terrorists as well as recovered weapons.

“Some equipment, including one gun truck, three TCVs, and an excavator, were burnt by the enemy forces.

“A reinforcement team with air components was dispatched to exploit the general area and the terrorists’ withdrawal route.

“However, it is pertinent to note that such an attack shall not deter the troops and armed forces of Nigeria from seeing the end of terrorism, insurgency, and other insecurity challenges facing the country.”