Microwaves are a great way to conserve in the kitchen

I have worked at several natural foods kitchens over the years who refused to use microwaves.  They considered then unnatural, dangerous, harmful to food. 

I disagree.  Microwaves are a great way to cut down on energy use and heat in the kitchen.  That’s because its energy goes straight into heating the food, not the air or a pan which surrounds it.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not cooking tender greens in there, nor trying to bake weird microwavable brownies, or food in plastic bags (yecchhh)..

But a microwave is awesome for;  melting chocolate, heating up a cup of water for tea (then the mug is warm, too!), softening butter or coconut oil.  It is also great for getting a baking potato or sweet potato piping hot to then finish in the oven. Same for winter squashes, or eggplant for Baba Ganoush.  But never for cooking broccoli, tender greens, cooking meats.