Latest news with #Pyrex
CNET
7 days ago
- Health
- CNET
Seriously, Stop Reheating Leftovers in the Container They Came in. Here's Why
When hunger and laziness coalesce, reheating last night's takeout or the leftover pasta you took home from a restaurant in the microwave seems like the best idea. But if you don't do it properly, you could be ingesting microplastics and harmful chemicals. But is plastic contamination as dangerous as experts say? All signs point to yes. Study after study has shown that the resulting chemical exposure of microplastics could pose significant health risks, linking to increases in medical issues like infertility and even cancer. Most takeout containers are not heat-safe Most black plastic containers are not microwave-safe. Image by Marie LaFauci / Getty "If you're using takeout containers to reheat food, they need to be labeled as heat-safe," advises Ricardo Jarquin, executive chef of Loews Coral Gables in Miami. "Most restaurants do not use them because they're more expensive." Aluminum, cardboard and paper-based containers are typically plastic-free and safe to store and reheat food. Cheap plastic takeout containers are mostly not safe and should never be used to reheat food. Styrofoam is even worse because it melts in the microwave, a clear indication that it is an unsafe vessel for reheating food. Read more: These 7 Takeout Containers Don't Belong in the Recycling Bin What to use instead of plastic It might sound like more work but bringing your own food storage container for leftovers is the safest bet. FreshSplash/Getty So what's the best way to reheat that delicious meal? We chatted with Jarquin, who has overseen culinary operations and food safety protocol for major hotel chains including Four Seasons, Hilton, and Marriott, as well as Hope Montgomery, owner of Brick & Mortar in St. Petersburg, FL, to get the skinny on safe use of takeout containers. Ideally, the restaurant is using compostable paper, aluminum or cardboard products, which can be found at Brick & Mortar and is Montgomery's material of choice. A surefire way to guarantee that food is stored and reheated in a heat-safe container (whether by initial temperature or via microwave) is to simply use your own. "The safest containers are BPA-free, or even better, glass ones like Pyrex," recommends Jarquin. "Stainless steel and aluminum are great, too, just not for the microwave." One of our favorite options is this colorful 10-piece set that offers the convenience of multiple sizes. This means you can limit the shape to accommodate the amount you plan to reheat or take home from the restaurant, from an entire entree to a few bites of dessert. Beware of plastic containers marketed as microwave- and freezer-safe Many plastic containers are marketed as "freezer- and microwave-safe," but that's not the case. Rubbermaid Many plastic containers are marketed as "freezer- and microwave-safe," but that's mostly marketing jargon. Plastic containers should really never be frozen or microwaved. Ziploc and Rubbermaid are facing a lawsuit for advertising its plastic-based containers as "microwave safe" and "freezer safe." When heated, plastic containers are found to leach chemicals into food. When frozen, the plastic often breaks off, which can contaminate food. How to reheat food safely Deli containers may be considered food-safe but glass and ceramic are safer options for reheating food in the microwave. Julien McRoberts/Getty Even more important than reheating your food so it tastes good is making sure it's safe to eat. Never reheat your leftovers in a non-heat-safe vessel. That includes most cheap plastic containers used by restaurants, such as plastic clamshells or black plastic containers. Deli containers like the ones you get your grocery store chicken salad in are considered "food safe" for storage but it's still not recommended to use them to reheat food at high temperatures. When reheating food in the microwave, always use glass or ceramic. Keep any containers, lids or utensils that contain plastic or rubber out and use for serving only. How to reheat food so it tastes good An air fryer is one of our favorite ways to reheat leftovers. ThaiAside from the risks of plastic exposure when hot food is stored in those containers, you'll want to ensure that reheating leftovers maintains the overall quality. "Though microwaving is quick and easy, better results can often be achieved by reheating on the stovetop," says Montgomery. "A little extra fat like olive oil and butter, as well as seasoning, can also be helpful," she adds, noting that this doesn't pertain to some dishes like her restaurant's famed beef tenderloin carpaccio, which should be consumed within its entirety on location. Jarquin echoes these sentiments. "You get a much better result when reheating leftovers in a frying pan or in the oven," he stresses, revealing that some dishes may even taste better when enjoyed the next day. "At Americana Kitchen, the rigatoni with vodka sauce keeps getting tastier the next day. Also, any of our pizzas or the mushroom pasta definitely gets better the next day. The flavors soak in even more and the texture stays great when reheated slowly," he says. Other foods recommended by Jarquin for enjoying at home after dining include "stews, curries, chili, and lasagna," which are typically items where the flavors can keep developing overnight. Concerns about bacteria growth Food, including cooked rice, can develop bacteria quickly if not stored properly. Chris Monroe/CNET Another risk to consider with leftovers is the rapid formation of bacteria that can lead to often brief yet sometimes serious illnesses. In short, the longer food sits out, the quicker these spores grow. "The general rule is that it takes about two hours at room temperature and one hour if it's really hot out" (usually above 90 degrees Fahrenheit), said Jarquin. "After that, bacteria can grow quickly and you don't always see or smell it. That's why it's important to either serve food hot, chill it fast or keep it properly stored." Read more: I'm Not Messing Around With Leftover Rice - You Shouldn't Either At the end of the day, if you're even the slightest bit fearful of microplastics and/or foodborne illnesses, no leftover is worth the temporary satisfaction. Accept your losses and task yourself with whipping up your own homemade delicacy to ensure safe, plastic-free bites within the comfort of your own kitchen. For a comprehensive guide to food safety protocol, check out the CDC's Four Steps to Food Safety.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Morrisons shoppers can bag freebies worth £30 through loyalty scheme perk
Scroll down to see what freebies are on offer CASH IN Morrisons shoppers can bag freebies worth £30 through loyalty scheme perk MORRISONS shoppers can bag free goodies worth up to £30 through its reward scheme. Customers with a More Card loyalty scheme can claim premium kitchenware for free through a lesser-known stamp promotion currently available in stores. 2 Morrisons is giving shoppers the chance to win freebies worth up to £30 Credit: Morrisons 2 Shoppers have until the end of next week to collect stamps Morrisons is giving shoppers the opportunity to continue collecting stamps until next Sunday, June 8, with redemption available until June 22. The supermarket giant is giving away Pyrex containers, including a 2.6L dish normally worth £30, to shoppers who rack up enough stamps. For every £10 spent in-store, you'll earn one stamp, and once you hit 30 or more, you can start trading them in for top kitchen gear completely free. One Morrisons worker spilled the beans in the Extreme Coupons and Bargains UK Facebook group, writing: "Lots of customers don't even know about this scheme, so it's been a nice surprise for them!" All you need to do is check your stamp balance, it's printed on the bottom of your receipt or visible in the More Card app and then head to the till with your chosen Pyrex item and scan your More Card. If you've got enough stamps, it's yours for free. The range includes handy tubs in sizes from 600ml to 2.6L, plus a pump to suck out air and keep your food fresher for longer. One happy shopper shared: 'I got the largest rectangle yesterday and still have some stamps left!' You'll need 30 stamps to bag a small item, 40 for a medium, and 50 for the top-of-the-range large dish, meaning you'd need to spend around £500 to earn the full set. But considering it's a freebie just for doing your usual food shop, savvy shoppers say it's 'always nice to have something for nothing'. Exploring Popular Supermarkets in the UK If you're not already a More Card member, you can sign up for free by downloading the app on Google Play or the App Store. And while you're collecting stamps, you'll still earn More Points as usual which can be converted into vouchers for money off future shops. You can find your nearest store using the store finder tool. Morrisons loyalty boss Kate Lavery said the new perk is a 'bonus layer' on top of points and discounts, giving customers even more bang for their buck. It comes after the supermarket giant has made a huge change to its loyalty scheme and shoppers can now earn EXTRA points towards their purchases. Morrisons originally scrapped its More Points scheme in 2021, rebranding as My Morrisons, but reversed the decision in 2023 after shopper demand. Now, Morrisons More Card holders can collect points with over 300 popular brands including eBay, Just Eat, Expedia, Asos, Very, and loads more. Once 5,000 More Points are collected, shoppers will be handed a £5 voucher – better known as a Morrisons Fiver – to redeem on their next shop in store or online. How to save money on your food shop Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save hundreds of pounds a year: Odd boxes - plenty of retailers offer slightly misshapen fruit and veg or surplus food at a discounted price. Lidl sells five kilos of fruit and veg for just £1.50 through its Waste Not scheme while Aldi shoppers can get Too Good to Go bags which contain £10 worth of all kinds of products for £3.30. Sainsbury's also sells £2 "Taste Me, Don't Waste Me" fruit and veg boxes to help shoppers reduced food waste and save cash. Food waste apps - food waste apps work by helping shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses shift stock that is due to go out of date and passing it on to members of the public. Some of the most notable ones include Too Good to Go and Olio. Too Good to Go's app is free to sign up to and is used by millions of people across the UK, letting users buy food at a discount. Olio works similarly, except users can collect both food and other household items for free from neighbours and businesses. Yellow sticker bargains - yellow sticker bargains, sometimes orange and red in certain supermarkets, are a great way of getting food on the cheap. But what time to head out to get the best deals varies depending on the retailer. You can see the best times for each supermarket here. Super cheap bargains - sign up to bargain hunter Facebook groups like Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK where shoppers regularly post hauls they've found on the cheap, including food finds. "Downshift" - you will almost always save money going for a supermarket's own-brand economy lines rather than premium brands. The move to lower-tier ranges, also known as "downshifting" and hailed by consumer expert Martin Lewis, could save you hundreds of pounds a year on your food shop. How does the Morrisons More Card work? The Morrisons More Card lets you earn points on purchases which can be used to get money off future shops. Once you get to 5,000 points you can keep saving, or convert them into a voucher worth £5 to spend in-store or online. You can't earn loyalty points when buying certain products though, including tobacco, infant milk or formula and gift cards. The full list of excluded products is on the Morrisons website. The More Card also gives you access to personalised offers based on your shopping habits, including discounts on specific products or extra points on certain purchases. You can get a physical More Card and scan it at the till or swipe a virtual card via the app when shopping in-store.
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
'Car boot queen' lists nine 'flip' items to sell online for hundreds
Expert tips on what to look out for when buying at car boot sales, including vintage Pyrex dishes, branded clothing and retro gaming consoles that can be sold for a profit online Car boot sales could be your golden ticket to a cash windfall, especially if you've got an eye for bargains. Buried beneath piles of odds and ends, from preloved playthings to mismatched crockery, lie treasure-worthy finds that savvy flippers can sell on for a tidy sum. "Car Boot Queen" Ellie Macsymons from NetVoucherCodes has revealed her top picks of car boot must-haves that might just net you a small fortune. Ellie said: "Car boot sales are the perfect place to spot a deal. Often sellers don't know what kind of treasure they have right under their nose, and often sell luxury items for a fraction of their price. If you know what you're looking for, you could resell some of these items for hundreds of pounds, giving you an extra boost coming into summer. "If you're new to flipping items, start small by buying things you can test easily and know a bit about. As you gain experience, you'll start spotting those lucrative gems more quickly. And remember: always check sold listings on eBay to get a realistic idea of an item's value, not just the asking price." Nine items to buy at car boot sales to sell online Vintage Pyrex dishes Nan's old patterned dishes are all the rage nowadays, with "Gooseberry", "Butterprint," and "Snowflake" fetching handsome sums from collectors and vintage kitchenware enthusiasts, selling for £30 to £150 based on scarcity and state. Nonetheless, be wary of diminished value due to wear like chips, cracks, murky glass (often dishwasher-related), or fading patterns. Retro gaming consoles and games The retro gaming scene is thriving with gear like Game Boys and Sega Mega Drives in high demand among buffs and yearning millennials, commanding £20–£30 for common titles and a mint for rarer finds. Vintage consoles can resell for £40–£200+, and precious game up to £300+, while even original boxes might fetch over £100 online. Ensure full resale price by checking that consoles have all cables, aren't missing controllers, and watch out for tarnished or badly scratched cartridges. Branded vintage clothing 90s and Y2K fashion is all the rage right now. Keep your eyes peeled for denim jackets, branded hoodies, and retro trainers from big names like Levi's, Adidas, Burberry, or Ralph Lauren. These brands can fetch anywhere between £20–£150 on resale, depending on the brand and item, and often, car boot sellers are unaware of the treasures they possess. Be vigilant for counterfeits, which are rife at car boots and markets, particularly with designer labels. Scrutinise stitching, tags, and quality meticulously and steer clear of anything with stains or noticeable damage, unless it can be cleaned effortlessly. Mid-Century furniture and decor Compact furniture items such as teak side tables, magazine racks, or atomic-era mirrors can be bought for a song and sold for a handsome profit, especially to buyers who are into interior design or vintage styling. The sky's the limit with vintage furniture, but it can sell to the right buyer from £40–£300+. Be wary of damage to veneers, signs of woodworm, or newer mass-produced items that merely look retro, which will significantly affect the resale price. LEGO sets LEGO sets, particularly themed or discontinued collections like Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Architecture, hold their value remarkably well. Even bags of random bricks can fetch a pretty penny. Well-preserved LEGO sets and boxes can be sold for £20–£200+, depending on the theme and completeness. However, factors such as missing mini-figures, incomplete instructions, or counterfeit bricks (genuine LEGO has the brand name stamped on every stud) can render them virtually worthless. Vintage cameras The popularity of film photography is soaring, leading to an increased demand for vintage cameras like Olympus Trip 35, Pentax Spotmatic, or old Polaroids. A quick scroll through TikTok reveals a new generation of influencers flaunting their retro film cameras or camcorders. Enthusiasts and collectors are on the hunt for usable gear, often found at car boot sales. These finds can resell from £25–£150+, but beware of rusty battery compartments, sticky shutters, or broken lenses. If it's a Polaroid, ensure the film type it uses is still available. Rare or first edition books Old books may not appear to be big money-makers, but first editions, specialist cookbooks, out-of-print art or photography volumes, and certain children's books can fetch a pretty penny. These treasures can resell for £20–£500+. Ideally, books should come with their dust jackets (even better if they're preserved in plastic, but then the seller might be aware of their value) and ensure they don't have torn pages or heavy wear. Ex-library copies are typically worth less. Designer handbags or accessories It's uncommon, but not unheard of to find authentic designer items at car boot sales, particularly older styles that people presume are worthless. Think Mulberry, Coach, even vintage Gucci or Fendi. Vintage designer handbags can resell anywhere from £50 to £400+. Remember, counterfeits are a massive issue for designer pieces. Look for serial numbers, logo placement, stitching quality, and branded hardware. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Royal Doulton, Wedgwood, or Denby Ceramics Classic British ceramics continue to be a hit with collectors and stylists. Keep an eye out for teapots, dinner sets, or figurines, particularly limited editions or discontinued ranges. The tales are countless of people who've stumbled upon a seemingly ordinary ceramic piece at a car boot sale, only to discover it's worth a small fortune on programmes like Antiques Roadshow. These items can fetch between £30–£200, depending on their condition and pattern. Be aware that crazing (fine cracks in the glaze) will decrease the resale value, as will missing pieces, or heavily used sets.
The Age
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
A feminine tale with a twist
Knife man, clothes prop man, dunny man, Rawleigh man, Waltons man and the Bebarfalds man (C8). Granny's been waiting for the sisterhood to get around this over-blokey thread, and Brenda Kerrigan of Speers Point has obliged: 'My recollection is the Rawleigh lady. She rented my nanna's garage and filled it with all her potions. My sister and I took great delight in unscrewing tins and sampling the contents, unbeknown to our nanna. I think she was also the first distributor of Twisties, which we also sampled and 'weren't they the most delicious things we had ever tasted?'' Cristine Doherty, 79, of Greenway (ACT) still has a tin of Rawleigh's Antiseptic Salve, 'which I bought at the Royal Easter Show approximately 50 years ago. It's 'medicated', I can't see any expiry date. So, still good to go then?' 'It's no wonder my brain is having trouble with recent memories, when it has stored images of the Lan Choo tea packet (C8), and that you needed a minimum of 36 coupons for the most measly gift from the catalogue,' writes Robert Hosking of Paddington. 'Although, our green Pyrex baking dish did serve us well for many years, and I'm sure is still around somewhere.' Robert Roobottom of Taree wants to over-complicate the complicated when he informs Peter Riley (C8) that 'when Sussan Ley's taxpayer-funded trip to purchase an investment property became news, I simply changed the spelling of her name to $u$$an.' Here's another missive from the black-and-white world (C8), this time from Corinne Johnston of Gymea Bay: 'I was watching the 1938 film The Lady Vanishes with my granddaughters, aged seven and 10 recently. After a few minutes, Miss Seven said: 'You completely forget there's no colour because the story is so good'. A mini Margaret Pomeranz, perhaps?' It didn't go quite as well for Pauline McGinley of Drummoyne: 'Watching some old newsreels when my son was little, he was bewildered as to why 'people had to walk so quickly in the olden days'.'
Sydney Morning Herald
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
A feminine tale with a twist
Knife man, clothes prop man, dunny man, Rawleigh man, Waltons man and the Bebarfalds man (C8). Granny's been waiting for the sisterhood to get around this over-blokey thread, and Brenda Kerrigan of Speers Point has obliged: 'My recollection is the Rawleigh lady. She rented my nanna's garage and filled it with all her potions. My sister and I took great delight in unscrewing tins and sampling the contents, unbeknown to our nanna. I think she was also the first distributor of Twisties, which we also sampled and 'weren't they the most delicious things we had ever tasted?'' Cristine Doherty, 79, of Greenway (ACT) still has a tin of Rawleigh's Antiseptic Salve, 'which I bought at the Royal Easter Show approximately 50 years ago. It's 'medicated', I can't see any expiry date. So, still good to go then?' 'It's no wonder my brain is having trouble with recent memories, when it has stored images of the Lan Choo tea packet (C8), and that you needed a minimum of 36 coupons for the most measly gift from the catalogue,' writes Robert Hosking of Paddington. 'Although, our green Pyrex baking dish did serve us well for many years, and I'm sure is still around somewhere.' Robert Roobottom of Taree wants to over-complicate the complicated when he informs Peter Riley (C8) that 'when Sussan Ley's taxpayer-funded trip to purchase an investment property became news, I simply changed the spelling of her name to $u$$an.' Here's another missive from the black-and-white world (C8), this time from Corinne Johnston of Gymea Bay: 'I was watching the 1938 film The Lady Vanishes with my granddaughters, aged seven and 10 recently. After a few minutes, Miss Seven said: 'You completely forget there's no colour because the story is so good'. A mini Margaret Pomeranz, perhaps?' It didn't go quite as well for Pauline McGinley of Drummoyne: 'Watching some old newsreels when my son was little, he was bewildered as to why 'people had to walk so quickly in the olden days'.'
