This Is What Happens When You Put Paper Bags In The Microwave

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A Historical Overview of Paper Bags

Paper bags have been around forever, and if you're like most people, you use them for just about anything from packing lunches to storing leftovers. The first brown paper bag was invented in the early 1850s. Twenty years later, Margaret Knight invented a machine that mass-produced them, according to the Museum of Modern Art. Surprisingly, the look of the standard brown paper bag and how we use them has not changed much.

Nowadays, you can find a variety of paper bags ranging in color and size. Most are made from paper that comes from processing wood chips. The resulting pulp is separated into cellulose, lignin (a type of glue), and other compounds. After the pulp is cleaned, water is removed from the fiber, which is then flattened into a sheet and dried. Depending on what type of bag being made, it could go through several processes before finally being glued and folded together (via the American Forest & Paper Association).

The Cautionary Tale: Microwave and Brown Paper Bags

Expert Opinion and Recommendations

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.

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 (fsis.usda.gov) says never use brown paper bags in the microwave.

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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.

When to Use Paper Bag Microwave?

While it's generally advised not to use brown paper bags in the microwave due to safety concerns, there are specific options designed for microwave use that you might want to consider. If you're looking for customized options, many suppliers offer personal popcorn bags designed for microwave use. These are tailored to provide a safer and more efficient way to microwave your snacks.

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Health Benefits of Homemade Popcorn

Popcorn is a great source of whole grain because it is an entire kernel that contains the bran, 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.

Seasoning Suggestions

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.
• Cheesy Garlic (from Everyday Food): Mix 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon each of coarse salt, dried thyme, and garlic powder.
• Savory Rosemary: Mix 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 teaspoons finely crushed fresh or dried rosemary. Place 4 quarts of 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.

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