Re: Can I halt the Microwave Oven cooking process by 'jarring' the food?

Hi, Russell.

The misconception here is that microwaves continue to cook the food after 
it has been removed from the microwave oven.  Actually, the microwave 
energy is converted to heat as soon as it is absorbed by the food.  Some 
foods more readily absorb microwaves (ie. microwaves are attracted to fat, 
salt and sugar) and some foods are better conductors of heat.

So your slamming the food dish on the counter to jar the microwaves really 
won't have any effect because there are no longer any microwaves at work.  
The food is continuing to cook through conduction - similar to when a 
turkey or roast is taken out of the oven before it reaches the desired 
internal temperature.  Usually you then cover the roast with foil and let 
it stand for 15 or 20 minutes during which the temperature will continue to 
rise another 10-15 degrees.

Carol Crouse
Food Technologist
The Food Chain Ltd.