Susan M. Selasky: Don't pop corn in a brown paper bag

Susan M. Selasky

Contact us to discuss your requirements of can you put paper bags in the microwave. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

DetroitFreePress

QUESTION: Can you make popcorn in a paper bag in the microwave?

ANSWER: This is a fine time for this question because it's National Popcorn Popping Month.

In short, the answer to your question is this: Experts don't recommend it, but magazines and websites reference it plenty.

• RECIPE:Recipe: White-Chocolate Caramel Corn with Cashews

In the past several months or so, I've seen mentions of the method in magazines. The most recent was in the September issue of Everyday Food magazine. And, of course, you can find just about anything online.

But the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service ( www.fsis.usda.gov) says never use brown paper bags in the microwave.

Kathy Bernard, technical information specialist for the USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline, says it's because they "don't know what (the bags) are made of, what can cook out of them and many are made from recycling."

The Popcorn Board supports the USDA stance. The board suggests that folks use a pan with a lid on the stovetop.

Other items not to use in the microwave, according to the USDA, are thin plastic storage bags, grocery bags, newspaper and aluminum foil.

Popcorn is a great source of whole grain, because it is an entire kernel that contains the brain, germ and endosperm. It's a great whole grain snack.

When not doused with butter or cooked in oil, air popped popcorn has about 31 calories per cup, the Popcorn Board says. If you pop it in oil, it's 55 calories per cup. And if you really can't go without butter, lightly buttered popcorn has about 133 calories per cup.

Being able to control the popcorn seasoning is a huge benefit to making your own popcorn safely.

Here are a few suggestions for seasoning 3 cups of plain popped popcorn:

• Sprinkle with desired amount of nutritional yeast (found at health food stores) for a nutty and cheesy flavor.

• Southwest: Mix together 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar.

For more custom microwave popcorn bags information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

• Cheesy Garlic (from Everyday Food): Mix 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon each of coarse salt, dried thyme and garlic powder.

Try this savory mix for a Halloween treat.

• Savory Rosemary: Mix 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 teaspoons finely crushed fresh or dried rosemary. Place 4 quarts popcorn in a large bowl and pour butter over. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and 1 teaspoon garlic salt or sea salt. Toss again.

Have a question? Contact Susan M. Selasky at 313-222-6432 or food@freepress.com.

The microwave is the workhorse of the modern kitchen, whether at home or in the office lunchroom. All day long, it dependably handles quick grab-and-go chores, as well as more complex food prep chores. But don't take it for granted. To keep it working, here is a look at five things you should never put in your microwave.

Paper Bags

Did you know a standard paper bag from the grocery store can catch fire in the microwave? That's because it doesn't have susceptors, a specialized material that can handle the radio waves produced by the microwave. Popcorn bags have them, but everyday bags don't. As a result, fumes and toxins from the paper get released during the heating process, potentially causing a fire.

Aluminum Foil

The metal interior of your microwave is made to reflect back radio waves, which are usually called microwaves. These waves are responsible for the electromagnetic energy that warms up food. Aluminum foil reflects back the waves. The results are sparks and potentially a fire.

Plastic and Steel Travel Mugs

These handy cups are perfect for sipping coffee on the go. But don't try to reheat your tea or coffee in them. Steel mugs can cause friction from the buildup of energy in the appliance. Many plastic mugs can't take the heating process. Some plastic on-the-go coffee mugs do say "microwave safe" on the outside. In that case, it's ok to use them.

Eggs too Hard Cook

An eggshell traps steam that forms when the microwave does its job of heating. When that reaches critical mass, it can explode. The result is a very messy, hard-to-clean microwave.

Styrofoam Anything

Takeout is often packaged in polystyrene foam, better known as styrofoam. But don't try to reheat your General Tso's Chicken or your breakfast burrito in the container. The material can melt, releasing unappetizing and unhealthy toxins into your food.

Want more information on customized microwave popcorn bags? Feel free to contact us.