Why did my banana catch fire in the microwave?How come heating milk in the microwave is safe?Is it possible for a potato to catch fire after 10 minutes in the microwave?Is it ok to microwave veggies without water instead of blanching them in a pot of water?Saved-for-later then reheated potato mixture sparks and catches fire in microwaveWhy is there such disparity between the calories in a banana and the calories in this pack of dried banana?Why my banana sauce is not smooth?Saved-for-later then reheated potato mixture sparks and catches fire in microwaveDid I just almost start an oil fire?Baked item that would catch on fire/smoke?Is it possible for a potato to catch fire after 10 minutes in the microwave?why the magnetron of Microwave is over heating?The side of my microwave set on fireWhy didn't microwaving a stainless steel spoon set my kitchen on fire?Banana bread batter in the fridge
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Why did my banana catch fire in the microwave?
How come heating milk in the microwave is safe?Is it possible for a potato to catch fire after 10 minutes in the microwave?Is it ok to microwave veggies without water instead of blanching them in a pot of water?Saved-for-later then reheated potato mixture sparks and catches fire in microwaveWhy is there such disparity between the calories in a banana and the calories in this pack of dried banana?Why my banana sauce is not smooth?Saved-for-later then reheated potato mixture sparks and catches fire in microwaveDid I just almost start an oil fire?Baked item that would catch on fire/smoke?Is it possible for a potato to catch fire after 10 minutes in the microwave?why the magnetron of Microwave is over heating?The side of my microwave set on fireWhy didn't microwaving a stainless steel spoon set my kitchen on fire?Banana bread batter in the fridge
Wow, that sounds like a silly question, but really! My wife froze bananas in the freezer with the peel still on. You can't peel them frozen. I put it in the microwave for one minute at 50% power. After 30 seconds the thin end of the peel (where a bunch connect to each other) was on fire, with a visible flame (about the size of a lighter). What on earth happened?
fruit microwave bananas fire
edited Apr 25 '18 at 12:14
Rodrigo de Azevedo
450413
asked Oct 1 '10 at 17:23
yossarianyossarian
14.6k2481146
|
show 6 more comments
Wow, that sounds like a silly question, but really! My wife froze bananas in the freezer with the peel still on. You can't peel them frozen. I put it in the microwave for one minute at 50% power. After 30 seconds the thin end of the peel (where a bunch connect to each other) was on fire, with a visible flame (about the size of a lighter). What on earth happened?
fruit microwave bananas fire
edited Apr 25 '18 at 12:14
Rodrigo de Azevedo
450413
asked Oct 1 '10 at 17:23
yossarianyossarian
14.6k2481146
4
@Aaronut - it can also ignite if it's heated too long: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_oven#Hazards
– justkt
Oct 1 '10 at 17:36
12
I suspect the bananas were, like many of the fruits you find in grocery stores, coated with some sort of food-grade wax. The dry woody end of the banana would have allowed this wax to heat to its flash point and ignite, catching the stem itself.
– Shog9♦
Oct 1 '10 at 17:41
2
I thaw my bananas in a bowl of warm water ... the only problem is that dealing with half-frozen bananas will chill your hands rather quickly. If I need the bananas stil frozen, I use a sharp paring knife, and cut the peel off.
– Joe
Oct 2 '10 at 3:46
1
I did this when attempting to 'bake' a potato in my new 950W microwave. It would have burnt the whole potato had I not intervened. Quite something to watch. A scientist friend suggested it was related to this phenomenon (bit.ly/fT6EA3) (first item on the page).
– 5arx
Feb 28 '11 at 12:51
1
Related blog on the Washington Post website.
– justkt
May 18 '11 at 16:21
|
show 6 more comments
Wow, that sounds like a silly question, but really! My wife froze bananas in the freezer with the peel still on. You can't peel them frozen. I put it in the microwave for one minute at 50% power. After 30 seconds the thin end of the peel (where a bunch connect to each other) was on fire, with a visible flame (about the size of a lighter). What on earth happened?
fruit microwave bananas fire
edited Apr 25 '18 at 12:14
Rodrigo de Azevedo
450413
asked Oct 1 '10 at 17:23
yossarianyossarian
14.6k2481146
Wow, that sounds like a silly question, but really! My wife froze bananas in the freezer with the peel still on. You can't peel them frozen. I put it in the microwave for one minute at 50% power. After 30 seconds the thin end of the peel (where a bunch connect to each other) was on fire, with a visible flame (about the size of a lighter). What on earth happened?
fruit microwave bananas fire
fruit microwave bananas fire
edited Apr 25 '18 at 12:14
Rodrigo de Azevedo
450413
asked Oct 1 '10 at 17:23
yossarianyossarian
14.6k2481146
edited Apr 25 '18 at 12:14
Rodrigo de Azevedo
450413
asked Oct 1 '10 at 17:23
yossarianyossarian
14.6k2481146
edited Apr 25 '18 at 12:14
Rodrigo de Azevedo
450413
edited Apr 25 '18 at 12:14
Rodrigo de Azevedo
450413
edited Apr 25 '18 at 12:14
Rodrigo de Azevedo
450413
450413
asked Oct 1 '10 at 17:23
yossarianyossarian
14.6k2481146
asked Oct 1 '10 at 17:23
yossarianyossarian
14.6k2481146
asked Oct 1 '10 at 17:23
yossarianyossarian
14.6k2481146
14.6k2481146
4
@Aaronut - it can also ignite if it's heated too long: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_oven#Hazards
– justkt
Oct 1 '10 at 17:36
12
I suspect the bananas were, like many of the fruits you find in grocery stores, coated with some sort of food-grade wax. The dry woody end of the banana would have allowed this wax to heat to its flash point and ignite, catching the stem itself.
– Shog9♦
Oct 1 '10 at 17:41
2
I thaw my bananas in a bowl of warm water ... the only problem is that dealing with half-frozen bananas will chill your hands rather quickly. If I need the bananas stil frozen, I use a sharp paring knife, and cut the peel off.
– Joe
Oct 2 '10 at 3:46
1
I did this when attempting to 'bake' a potato in my new 950W microwave. It would have burnt the whole potato had I not intervened. Quite something to watch. A scientist friend suggested it was related to this phenomenon (bit.ly/fT6EA3) (first item on the page).
– 5arx
Feb 28 '11 at 12:51
1
Related blog on the Washington Post website.
– justkt
May 18 '11 at 16:21
|
show 6 more comments
4
@Aaronut - it can also ignite if it's heated too long: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_oven#Hazards
– justkt
Oct 1 '10 at 17:36
12
I suspect the bananas were, like many of the fruits you find in grocery stores, coated with some sort of food-grade wax. The dry woody end of the banana would have allowed this wax to heat to its flash point and ignite, catching the stem itself.
– Shog9♦
Oct 1 '10 at 17:41
2
I thaw my bananas in a bowl of warm water ... the only problem is that dealing with half-frozen bananas will chill your hands rather quickly. If I need the bananas stil frozen, I use a sharp paring knife, and cut the peel off.
– Joe
Oct 2 '10 at 3:46
1
I did this when attempting to 'bake' a potato in my new 950W microwave. It would have burnt the whole potato had I not intervened. Quite something to watch. A scientist friend suggested it was related to this phenomenon (bit.ly/fT6EA3) (first item on the page).
– 5arx
Feb 28 '11 at 12:51
1
Related blog on the Washington Post website.
– justkt
May 18 '11 at 16:21
4
4
@Aaronut - it can also ignite if it's heated too long: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_oven#Hazards
– justkt
Oct 1 '10 at 17:36
@Aaronut - it can also ignite if it's heated too long: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_oven#Hazards
– justkt
Oct 1 '10 at 17:36
12
12
I suspect the bananas were, like many of the fruits you find in grocery stores, coated with some sort of food-grade wax. The dry woody end of the banana would have allowed this wax to heat to its flash point and ignite, catching the stem itself.
– Shog9♦
Oct 1 '10 at 17:41
I suspect the bananas were, like many of the fruits you find in grocery stores, coated with some sort of food-grade wax. The dry woody end of the banana would have allowed this wax to heat to its flash point and ignite, catching the stem itself.
– Shog9♦
Oct 1 '10 at 17:41
2
2
I thaw my bananas in a bowl of warm water ... the only problem is that dealing with half-frozen bananas will chill your hands rather quickly. If I need the bananas stil frozen, I use a sharp paring knife, and cut the peel off.
– Joe
Oct 2 '10 at 3:46
I thaw my bananas in a bowl of warm water ... the only problem is that dealing with half-frozen bananas will chill your hands rather quickly. If I need the bananas stil frozen, I use a sharp paring knife, and cut the peel off.
– Joe
Oct 2 '10 at 3:46
1
1
I did this when attempting to 'bake' a potato in my new 950W microwave. It would have burnt the whole potato had I not intervened. Quite something to watch. A scientist friend suggested it was related to this phenomenon (bit.ly/fT6EA3) (first item on the page).
– 5arx
Feb 28 '11 at 12:51
I did this when attempting to 'bake' a potato in my new 950W microwave. It would have burnt the whole potato had I not intervened. Quite something to watch. A scientist friend suggested it was related to this phenomenon (bit.ly/fT6EA3) (first item on the page).
– 5arx
Feb 28 '11 at 12:51
1
1
Related blog on the Washington Post website.
– justkt
May 18 '11 at 16:21
Related blog on the Washington Post website.
– justkt
May 18 '11 at 16:21
|
show 6 more comments
7 Answers
7
active
oldest
votes
It's caused by the high amount of potassium in the banana. Microwaves react with metals, bouncing off and cause arcing. You can even create a cool light show by putting a raw peeled banana in the microwave. Don't worry, it won't explode, but it will make a mess, it's also harmless.
This can also happen in some frozen vegetables depending on the soil conditions they grew in. As noted in the linked article, other high concentrations of metals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc can be the responsible mineral.
Momentary brief sparking is harmless and won't harm your microwave, but the USDA recommends turning off your microwave if you see sparks nonetheless. If it does start a fire, unless it's a very small fire, do not open your microwave door. The safest thing is to turn off the microwave and let the fire burn itself out by consuming all the oxygen. Opening the door could create a dangerous backdraft induced fireball.
See Also:
- http://www.scribd.com/doc/1697458/USDA-Microwave-Ovens-and-Food-Safety
- http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/specif/veglegmicroe.shtml
edited Mar 20 at 20:53
Aaron Franke
1035
answered Oct 1 '10 at 18:02
hobodavehobodave
35.9k14129197
9
The high potassium content of bananas is very useful for people who maintain certain types of gamma ray detector systems...the K-40 isotope provides a nice calibration line without having to deal with regulated radioactive sources. I have put part of my lunch in a counter for calibration purposes... BTW--don't fret the radioactive dose: you get more from cosmic rays than from any reasonable consumption of high potassium foods.
– dmckee
Oct 1 '10 at 19:17
43
I don't feel entirely convinced by this. Yes, bananas are high in potassium, but the potassium is ionized and should not be prone to arcing like a solid metal. If this didn't matter, you would be able to see sparking with salt as well (sodium is highly reactive!). I obviously can't argue with results, but I feel like there has to be some other/deeper explanation.
– Aaronut
Oct 1 '10 at 19:50
1
@dmckee: As our resident physicist, I'm hoping you can comment. How is it possible that stable potassium compounds react to the microwaves like pure metals? Doesn't there have to be some reaction breaking them down, or am I looking at this entirely the wrong way?
– Aaronut
Oct 20 '10 at 14:40
5
...which makes sense because bananas are quite high in sugars as compared with vegetables, which never spark in my microwave. The same chowhound thread also suggests that it may have something to do with the exact configuration of the molecules, and apparently, chopping the vegetables after steaming them is also cited as a common cause. The whole issue just seems way more complex to me than simply "X is high in minerals."
– Aaronut
Oct 20 '10 at 15:42
4
Hmm.. so when the metal detector goes off at the airport, I should just say that I have a banana in my pocket.
– intuited
Feb 15 '11 at 22:25
|
show 11 more comments
This may also be related to the dielectric antenna effects that cause grapes to spark in a microwave :
I found that single grapes would eject steam out of the stem hole forming little rocket engines which often propelled the grapes about the oven. If the stem was left in the grape, so that the steam could not escape, the grape skin would quickly rupture in a small explosion as it was heated.
...
There are two general classes of antennas, metallic conducting antennas and dielectric antennas that concentrate electromagnetic fields. The common antennas most people are familiar with are antennas made from conducting wires and rods such as the rabbit ears on indoor TV antennas or the multirod TV antennas on millions of roof tops. Dielectric antennas include various geometric solids including cylinders, spheres and plastic focusing lenses.
answered Oct 1 '10 at 22:04
SpecKKSpecKK
37123
More videos and an explanation of grape plasma produced by a microwave maartenrutgers.org/fun/microwave/microwave.html#disc
– SpecKK
Oct 1 '10 at 22:22
I would expect a small, 5-6cm banana to be the most problematic then, it is would be a tuned dipole for the most commonly used frequency in microwave ovens :) Now even smaller ones, around 3cm... you could really call that a short banana.
– rackandboneman
Jan 8 '16 at 10:32
Freshly arrived explanation on that effect: pnas.org/content/early/2019/02/13/1818350116. The relationship may exist, but it is not exactly the same, since the grape effect relies on the shape.
– rumtscho♦
Feb 25 at 12:14
add a comment |
I keep my bananas in the frig and warm them up (one at a time) in the microwave. It is the stem which burns/smolders/smokes, in as little as 20 seconds. I don't know why, but I think it may have to do with the lack of water.
answered Mar 8 '12 at 13:42
MaxMax
491
add a comment |
I ran hot water over my frozen bananas and they pealed easy, I then microwaved them for 2 minutes and they were fine.
answered Jun 13 '17 at 1:38
KarlaKarla
1
add a comment |
It could have fermented and alcohol ignited it
answered Aug 15 '13 at 21:30
ganjaganja
1
add a comment |
Bananas is the only fruit that contains radiation. That is why it will catch fire.
answered Oct 24 '16 at 12:19
HazelHazel
1
All fruits (and non-fruits) "contain radiation". Else it wouldn't be possible to do carbon dating, for example.
– rumtscho♦
Oct 24 '16 at 12:34
The (slight) radioactivity from a banana's potassium has nothing to do with it catching fire in a microwave.
– Daniel Griscom
Oct 24 '16 at 22:22
1
It would be great if your answer contained a source that you can cite that indicates this.
– milesmeow
Oct 25 '16 at 6:03
add a comment |
I belive the potassium in the banana would be a good conductor, but I have a few things to add.
The microwave runs on, well microwaves a form of radiation that penitrates what's in there and heats from with in.
A banana is also slightly radioactive, not harmful to humans though, and I belive the potassium is a conductor of both the microwaves and the radioactivity of the banana reacting to one another and the potassium is then chemically changed and then reacts to the microwaves emitted from the device
That's my hypothesis anyway let me know what you think.
answered Apr 24 '18 at 6:38
lancelance
1
chemically changed to what?
– Luciano
Apr 24 '18 at 9:33
add a comment |
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7 Answers
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active
oldest
votes
7 Answers
7
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
It's caused by the high amount of potassium in the banana. Microwaves react with metals, bouncing off and cause arcing. You can even create a cool light show by putting a raw peeled banana in the microwave. Don't worry, it won't explode, but it will make a mess, it's also harmless.
This can also happen in some frozen vegetables depending on the soil conditions they grew in. As noted in the linked article, other high concentrations of metals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc can be the responsible mineral.
Momentary brief sparking is harmless and won't harm your microwave, but the USDA recommends turning off your microwave if you see sparks nonetheless. If it does start a fire, unless it's a very small fire, do not open your microwave door. The safest thing is to turn off the microwave and let the fire burn itself out by consuming all the oxygen. Opening the door could create a dangerous backdraft induced fireball.
See Also:
- http://www.scribd.com/doc/1697458/USDA-Microwave-Ovens-and-Food-Safety
- http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/specif/veglegmicroe.shtml
edited Mar 20 at 20:53
Aaron Franke
1035
answered Oct 1 '10 at 18:02
hobodavehobodave
35.9k14129197
9
The high potassium content of bananas is very useful for people who maintain certain types of gamma ray detector systems...the K-40 isotope provides a nice calibration line without having to deal with regulated radioactive sources. I have put part of my lunch in a counter for calibration purposes... BTW--don't fret the radioactive dose: you get more from cosmic rays than from any reasonable consumption of high potassium foods.
– dmckee
Oct 1 '10 at 19:17
43
I don't feel entirely convinced by this. Yes, bananas are high in potassium, but the potassium is ionized and should not be prone to arcing like a solid metal. If this didn't matter, you would be able to see sparking with salt as well (sodium is highly reactive!). I obviously can't argue with results, but I feel like there has to be some other/deeper explanation.
– Aaronut
Oct 1 '10 at 19:50
1
@dmckee: As our resident physicist, I'm hoping you can comment. How is it possible that stable potassium compounds react to the microwaves like pure metals? Doesn't there have to be some reaction breaking them down, or am I looking at this entirely the wrong way?
– Aaronut
Oct 20 '10 at 14:40
5
...which makes sense because bananas are quite high in sugars as compared with vegetables, which never spark in my microwave. The same chowhound thread also suggests that it may have something to do with the exact configuration of the molecules, and apparently, chopping the vegetables after steaming them is also cited as a common cause. The whole issue just seems way more complex to me than simply "X is high in minerals."
– Aaronut
Oct 20 '10 at 15:42
4
Hmm.. so when the metal detector goes off at the airport, I should just say that I have a banana in my pocket.
– intuited
Feb 15 '11 at 22:25
|
show 11 more comments
It's caused by the high amount of potassium in the banana. Microwaves react with metals, bouncing off and cause arcing. You can even create a cool light show by putting a raw peeled banana in the microwave. Don't worry, it won't explode, but it will make a mess, it's also harmless.
This can also happen in some frozen vegetables depending on the soil conditions they grew in. As noted in the linked article, other high concentrations of metals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc can be the responsible mineral.
Momentary brief sparking is harmless and won't harm your microwave, but the USDA recommends turning off your microwave if you see sparks nonetheless. If it does start a fire, unless it's a very small fire, do not open your microwave door. The safest thing is to turn off the microwave and let the fire burn itself out by consuming all the oxygen. Opening the door could create a dangerous backdraft induced fireball.
See Also:
- http://www.scribd.com/doc/1697458/USDA-Microwave-Ovens-and-Food-Safety
- http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/specif/veglegmicroe.shtml
edited Mar 20 at 20:53
Aaron Franke
1035
answered Oct 1 '10 at 18:02
hobodavehobodave
35.9k14129197
9
The high potassium content of bananas is very useful for people who maintain certain types of gamma ray detector systems...the K-40 isotope provides a nice calibration line without having to deal with regulated radioactive sources. I have put part of my lunch in a counter for calibration purposes... BTW--don't fret the radioactive dose: you get more from cosmic rays than from any reasonable consumption of high potassium foods.
– dmckee
Oct 1 '10 at 19:17
43
I don't feel entirely convinced by this. Yes, bananas are high in potassium, but the potassium is ionized and should not be prone to arcing like a solid metal. If this didn't matter, you would be able to see sparking with salt as well (sodium is highly reactive!). I obviously can't argue with results, but I feel like there has to be some other/deeper explanation.
– Aaronut
Oct 1 '10 at 19:50
1
@dmckee: As our resident physicist, I'm hoping you can comment. How is it possible that stable potassium compounds react to the microwaves like pure metals? Doesn't there have to be some reaction breaking them down, or am I looking at this entirely the wrong way?
– Aaronut
Oct 20 '10 at 14:40
5
...which makes sense because bananas are quite high in sugars as compared with vegetables, which never spark in my microwave. The same chowhound thread also suggests that it may have something to do with the exact configuration of the molecules, and apparently, chopping the vegetables after steaming them is also cited as a common cause. The whole issue just seems way more complex to me than simply "X is high in minerals."
– Aaronut
Oct 20 '10 at 15:42
4
Hmm.. so when the metal detector goes off at the airport, I should just say that I have a banana in my pocket.
– intuited
Feb 15 '11 at 22:25
|
show 11 more comments
It's caused by the high amount of potassium in the banana. Microwaves react with metals, bouncing off and cause arcing. You can even create a cool light show by putting a raw peeled banana in the microwave. Don't worry, it won't explode, but it will make a mess, it's also harmless.
This can also happen in some frozen vegetables depending on the soil conditions they grew in. As noted in the linked article, other high concentrations of metals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc can be the responsible mineral.
Momentary brief sparking is harmless and won't harm your microwave, but the USDA recommends turning off your microwave if you see sparks nonetheless. If it does start a fire, unless it's a very small fire, do not open your microwave door. The safest thing is to turn off the microwave and let the fire burn itself out by consuming all the oxygen. Opening the door could create a dangerous backdraft induced fireball.
See Also:
- http://www.scribd.com/doc/1697458/USDA-Microwave-Ovens-and-Food-Safety
- http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/specif/veglegmicroe.shtml
edited Mar 20 at 20:53
Aaron Franke
1035
answered Oct 1 '10 at 18:02
hobodavehobodave
35.9k14129197
It's caused by the high amount of potassium in the banana. Microwaves react with metals, bouncing off and cause arcing. You can even create a cool light show by putting a raw peeled banana in the microwave. Don't worry, it won't explode, but it will make a mess, it's also harmless.
This can also happen in some frozen vegetables depending on the soil conditions they grew in. As noted in the linked article, other high concentrations of metals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc can be the responsible mineral.
Momentary brief sparking is harmless and won't harm your microwave, but the USDA recommends turning off your microwave if you see sparks nonetheless. If it does start a fire, unless it's a very small fire, do not open your microwave door. The safest thing is to turn off the microwave and let the fire burn itself out by consuming all the oxygen. Opening the door could create a dangerous backdraft induced fireball.
See Also:
- http://www.scribd.com/doc/1697458/USDA-Microwave-Ovens-and-Food-Safety
- http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/specif/veglegmicroe.shtml
edited Mar 20 at 20:53
Aaron Franke
1035
answered Oct 1 '10 at 18:02
hobodavehobodave
35.9k14129197
edited Mar 20 at 20:53
Aaron Franke
1035
edited Mar 20 at 20:53
Aaron Franke
1035
edited Mar 20 at 20:53
Aaron Franke
1035
1035
answered Oct 1 '10 at 18:02
hobodavehobodave
35.9k14129197
answered Oct 1 '10 at 18:02
hobodavehobodave
35.9k14129197
answered Oct 1 '10 at 18:02
hobodavehobodave
35.9k14129197
35.9k14129197
9
The high potassium content of bananas is very useful for people who maintain certain types of gamma ray detector systems...the K-40 isotope provides a nice calibration line without having to deal with regulated radioactive sources. I have put part of my lunch in a counter for calibration purposes... BTW--don't fret the radioactive dose: you get more from cosmic rays than from any reasonable consumption of high potassium foods.
– dmckee
Oct 1 '10 at 19:17
43
I don't feel entirely convinced by this. Yes, bananas are high in potassium, but the potassium is ionized and should not be prone to arcing like a solid metal. If this didn't matter, you would be able to see sparking with salt as well (sodium is highly reactive!). I obviously can't argue with results, but I feel like there has to be some other/deeper explanation.
– Aaronut
Oct 1 '10 at 19:50
1
@dmckee: As our resident physicist, I'm hoping you can comment. How is it possible that stable potassium compounds react to the microwaves like pure metals? Doesn't there have to be some reaction breaking them down, or am I looking at this entirely the wrong way?
– Aaronut
Oct 20 '10 at 14:40
5
...which makes sense because bananas are quite high in sugars as compared with vegetables, which never spark in my microwave. The same chowhound thread also suggests that it may have something to do with the exact configuration of the molecules, and apparently, chopping the vegetables after steaming them is also cited as a common cause. The whole issue just seems way more complex to me than simply "X is high in minerals."
– Aaronut
Oct 20 '10 at 15:42
4
Hmm.. so when the metal detector goes off at the airport, I should just say that I have a banana in my pocket.
– intuited
Feb 15 '11 at 22:25
|
show 11 more comments
9
The high potassium content of bananas is very useful for people who maintain certain types of gamma ray detector systems...the K-40 isotope provides a nice calibration line without having to deal with regulated radioactive sources. I have put part of my lunch in a counter for calibration purposes... BTW--don't fret the radioactive dose: you get more from cosmic rays than from any reasonable consumption of high potassium foods.
– dmckee
Oct 1 '10 at 19:17
43
I don't feel entirely convinced by this. Yes, bananas are high in potassium, but the potassium is ionized and should not be prone to arcing like a solid metal. If this didn't matter, you would be able to see sparking with salt as well (sodium is highly reactive!). I obviously can't argue with results, but I feel like there has to be some other/deeper explanation.
– Aaronut
Oct 1 '10 at 19:50
1
@dmckee: As our resident physicist, I'm hoping you can comment. How is it possible that stable potassium compounds react to the microwaves like pure metals? Doesn't there have to be some reaction breaking them down, or am I looking at this entirely the wrong way?
– Aaronut
Oct 20 '10 at 14:40
5
...which makes sense because bananas are quite high in sugars as compared with vegetables, which never spark in my microwave. The same chowhound thread also suggests that it may have something to do with the exact configuration of the molecules, and apparently, chopping the vegetables after steaming them is also cited as a common cause. The whole issue just seems way more complex to me than simply "X is high in minerals."
– Aaronut
Oct 20 '10 at 15:42
4
Hmm.. so when the metal detector goes off at the airport, I should just say that I have a banana in my pocket.
– intuited
Feb 15 '11 at 22:25
9
9
The high potassium content of bananas is very useful for people who maintain certain types of gamma ray detector systems...the K-40 isotope provides a nice calibration line without having to deal with regulated radioactive sources. I have put part of my lunch in a counter for calibration purposes... BTW--don't fret the radioactive dose: you get more from cosmic rays than from any reasonable consumption of high potassium foods.
– dmckee
Oct 1 '10 at 19:17
The high potassium content of bananas is very useful for people who maintain certain types of gamma ray detector systems...the K-40 isotope provides a nice calibration line without having to deal with regulated radioactive sources. I have put part of my lunch in a counter for calibration purposes... BTW--don't fret the radioactive dose: you get more from cosmic rays than from any reasonable consumption of high potassium foods.
– dmckee
Oct 1 '10 at 19:17
43
43
I don't feel entirely convinced by this. Yes, bananas are high in potassium, but the potassium is ionized and should not be prone to arcing like a solid metal. If this didn't matter, you would be able to see sparking with salt as well (sodium is highly reactive!). I obviously can't argue with results, but I feel like there has to be some other/deeper explanation.
– Aaronut
Oct 1 '10 at 19:50
I don't feel entirely convinced by this. Yes, bananas are high in potassium, but the potassium is ionized and should not be prone to arcing like a solid metal. If this didn't matter, you would be able to see sparking with salt as well (sodium is highly reactive!). I obviously can't argue with results, but I feel like there has to be some other/deeper explanation.
– Aaronut
Oct 1 '10 at 19:50
1
1
@dmckee: As our resident physicist, I'm hoping you can comment. How is it possible that stable potassium compounds react to the microwaves like pure metals? Doesn't there have to be some reaction breaking them down, or am I looking at this entirely the wrong way?
– Aaronut
Oct 20 '10 at 14:40
@dmckee: As our resident physicist, I'm hoping you can comment. How is it possible that stable potassium compounds react to the microwaves like pure metals? Doesn't there have to be some reaction breaking them down, or am I looking at this entirely the wrong way?
– Aaronut
Oct 20 '10 at 14:40
5
5
...which makes sense because bananas are quite high in sugars as compared with vegetables, which never spark in my microwave. The same chowhound thread also suggests that it may have something to do with the exact configuration of the molecules, and apparently, chopping the vegetables after steaming them is also cited as a common cause. The whole issue just seems way more complex to me than simply "X is high in minerals."
– Aaronut
Oct 20 '10 at 15:42
...which makes sense because bananas are quite high in sugars as compared with vegetables, which never spark in my microwave. The same chowhound thread also suggests that it may have something to do with the exact configuration of the molecules, and apparently, chopping the vegetables after steaming them is also cited as a common cause. The whole issue just seems way more complex to me than simply "X is high in minerals."
– Aaronut
Oct 20 '10 at 15:42
4
4
Hmm.. so when the metal detector goes off at the airport, I should just say that I have a banana in my pocket.
– intuited
Feb 15 '11 at 22:25
Hmm.. so when the metal detector goes off at the airport, I should just say that I have a banana in my pocket.
– intuited
Feb 15 '11 at 22:25
|
show 11 more comments
This may also be related to the dielectric antenna effects that cause grapes to spark in a microwave :
I found that single grapes would eject steam out of the stem hole forming little rocket engines which often propelled the grapes about the oven. If the stem was left in the grape, so that the steam could not escape, the grape skin would quickly rupture in a small explosion as it was heated.
...
There are two general classes of antennas, metallic conducting antennas and dielectric antennas that concentrate electromagnetic fields. The common antennas most people are familiar with are antennas made from conducting wires and rods such as the rabbit ears on indoor TV antennas or the multirod TV antennas on millions of roof tops. Dielectric antennas include various geometric solids including cylinders, spheres and plastic focusing lenses.
answered Oct 1 '10 at 22:04
SpecKKSpecKK
37123
More videos and an explanation of grape plasma produced by a microwave maartenrutgers.org/fun/microwave/microwave.html#disc
– SpecKK
Oct 1 '10 at 22:22
I would expect a small, 5-6cm banana to be the most problematic then, it is would be a tuned dipole for the most commonly used frequency in microwave ovens :) Now even smaller ones, around 3cm... you could really call that a short banana.
– rackandboneman
Jan 8 '16 at 10:32
Freshly arrived explanation on that effect: pnas.org/content/early/2019/02/13/1818350116. The relationship may exist, but it is not exactly the same, since the grape effect relies on the shape.
– rumtscho♦
Feb 25 at 12:14
add a comment |
This may also be related to the dielectric antenna effects that cause grapes to spark in a microwave :
I found that single grapes would eject steam out of the stem hole forming little rocket engines which often propelled the grapes about the oven. If the stem was left in the grape, so that the steam could not escape, the grape skin would quickly rupture in a small explosion as it was heated.
...
There are two general classes of antennas, metallic conducting antennas and dielectric antennas that concentrate electromagnetic fields. The common antennas most people are familiar with are antennas made from conducting wires and rods such as the rabbit ears on indoor TV antennas or the multirod TV antennas on millions of roof tops. Dielectric antennas include various geometric solids including cylinders, spheres and plastic focusing lenses.
answered Oct 1 '10 at 22:04
SpecKKSpecKK
37123
More videos and an explanation of grape plasma produced by a microwave maartenrutgers.org/fun/microwave/microwave.html#disc
– SpecKK
Oct 1 '10 at 22:22
I would expect a small, 5-6cm banana to be the most problematic then, it is would be a tuned dipole for the most commonly used frequency in microwave ovens :) Now even smaller ones, around 3cm... you could really call that a short banana.
– rackandboneman
Jan 8 '16 at 10:32
Freshly arrived explanation on that effect: pnas.org/content/early/2019/02/13/1818350116. The relationship may exist, but it is not exactly the same, since the grape effect relies on the shape.
– rumtscho♦
Feb 25 at 12:14
add a comment |
This may also be related to the dielectric antenna effects that cause grapes to spark in a microwave :
I found that single grapes would eject steam out of the stem hole forming little rocket engines which often propelled the grapes about the oven. If the stem was left in the grape, so that the steam could not escape, the grape skin would quickly rupture in a small explosion as it was heated.
...
There are two general classes of antennas, metallic conducting antennas and dielectric antennas that concentrate electromagnetic fields. The common antennas most people are familiar with are antennas made from conducting wires and rods such as the rabbit ears on indoor TV antennas or the multirod TV antennas on millions of roof tops. Dielectric antennas include various geometric solids including cylinders, spheres and plastic focusing lenses.
answered Oct 1 '10 at 22:04
SpecKKSpecKK
37123
This may also be related to the dielectric antenna effects that cause grapes to spark in a microwave :
I found that single grapes would eject steam out of the stem hole forming little rocket engines which often propelled the grapes about the oven. If the stem was left in the grape, so that the steam could not escape, the grape skin would quickly rupture in a small explosion as it was heated.
...
There are two general classes of antennas, metallic conducting antennas and dielectric antennas that concentrate electromagnetic fields. The common antennas most people are familiar with are antennas made from conducting wires and rods such as the rabbit ears on indoor TV antennas or the multirod TV antennas on millions of roof tops. Dielectric antennas include various geometric solids including cylinders, spheres and plastic focusing lenses.
answered Oct 1 '10 at 22:04
SpecKKSpecKK
37123
answered Oct 1 '10 at 22:04
SpecKKSpecKK
37123
answered Oct 1 '10 at 22:04
SpecKKSpecKK
37123
answered Oct 1 '10 at 22:04
SpecKKSpecKK
37123
37123
More videos and an explanation of grape plasma produced by a microwave maartenrutgers.org/fun/microwave/microwave.html#disc
– SpecKK
Oct 1 '10 at 22:22
I would expect a small, 5-6cm banana to be the most problematic then, it is would be a tuned dipole for the most commonly used frequency in microwave ovens :) Now even smaller ones, around 3cm... you could really call that a short banana.
– rackandboneman
Jan 8 '16 at 10:32
Freshly arrived explanation on that effect: pnas.org/content/early/2019/02/13/1818350116. The relationship may exist, but it is not exactly the same, since the grape effect relies on the shape.
– rumtscho♦
Feb 25 at 12:14
add a comment |
More videos and an explanation of grape plasma produced by a microwave maartenrutgers.org/fun/microwave/microwave.html#disc
– SpecKK
Oct 1 '10 at 22:22
I would expect a small, 5-6cm banana to be the most problematic then, it is would be a tuned dipole for the most commonly used frequency in microwave ovens :) Now even smaller ones, around 3cm... you could really call that a short banana.
– rackandboneman
Jan 8 '16 at 10:32
Freshly arrived explanation on that effect: pnas.org/content/early/2019/02/13/1818350116. The relationship may exist, but it is not exactly the same, since the grape effect relies on the shape.
– rumtscho♦
Feb 25 at 12:14
More videos and an explanation of grape plasma produced by a microwave maartenrutgers.org/fun/microwave/microwave.html#disc
– SpecKK
Oct 1 '10 at 22:22
More videos and an explanation of grape plasma produced by a microwave maartenrutgers.org/fun/microwave/microwave.html#disc
– SpecKK
Oct 1 '10 at 22:22
I would expect a small, 5-6cm banana to be the most problematic then, it is would be a tuned dipole for the most commonly used frequency in microwave ovens :) Now even smaller ones, around 3cm... you could really call that a short banana.
– rackandboneman
Jan 8 '16 at 10:32
I would expect a small, 5-6cm banana to be the most problematic then, it is would be a tuned dipole for the most commonly used frequency in microwave ovens :) Now even smaller ones, around 3cm... you could really call that a short banana.
– rackandboneman
Jan 8 '16 at 10:32
Freshly arrived explanation on that effect: pnas.org/content/early/2019/02/13/1818350116. The relationship may exist, but it is not exactly the same, since the grape effect relies on the shape.
– rumtscho♦
Feb 25 at 12:14
Freshly arrived explanation on that effect: pnas.org/content/early/2019/02/13/1818350116. The relationship may exist, but it is not exactly the same, since the grape effect relies on the shape.
– rumtscho♦
Feb 25 at 12:14
add a comment |
I keep my bananas in the frig and warm them up (one at a time) in the microwave. It is the stem which burns/smolders/smokes, in as little as 20 seconds. I don't know why, but I think it may have to do with the lack of water.
answered Mar 8 '12 at 13:42
MaxMax
491
add a comment |
I keep my bananas in the frig and warm them up (one at a time) in the microwave. It is the stem which burns/smolders/smokes, in as little as 20 seconds. I don't know why, but I think it may have to do with the lack of water.
answered Mar 8 '12 at 13:42
MaxMax
491
add a comment |
I keep my bananas in the frig and warm them up (one at a time) in the microwave. It is the stem which burns/smolders/smokes, in as little as 20 seconds. I don't know why, but I think it may have to do with the lack of water.
answered Mar 8 '12 at 13:42
MaxMax
491
I keep my bananas in the frig and warm them up (one at a time) in the microwave. It is the stem which burns/smolders/smokes, in as little as 20 seconds. I don't know why, but I think it may have to do with the lack of water.
answered Mar 8 '12 at 13:42
MaxMax
491
answered Mar 8 '12 at 13:42
MaxMax
491
answered Mar 8 '12 at 13:42
MaxMax
491
answered Mar 8 '12 at 13:42
MaxMax
491
491
add a comment |
add a comment |
I ran hot water over my frozen bananas and they pealed easy, I then microwaved them for 2 minutes and they were fine.
answered Jun 13 '17 at 1:38
KarlaKarla
1
add a comment |
I ran hot water over my frozen bananas and they pealed easy, I then microwaved them for 2 minutes and they were fine.
answered Jun 13 '17 at 1:38
KarlaKarla
1
add a comment |
I ran hot water over my frozen bananas and they pealed easy, I then microwaved them for 2 minutes and they were fine.
answered Jun 13 '17 at 1:38
KarlaKarla
1
I ran hot water over my frozen bananas and they pealed easy, I then microwaved them for 2 minutes and they were fine.
answered Jun 13 '17 at 1:38
KarlaKarla
1
answered Jun 13 '17 at 1:38
KarlaKarla
1
answered Jun 13 '17 at 1:38
KarlaKarla
1
answered Jun 13 '17 at 1:38
KarlaKarla
1
1
add a comment |
add a comment |
It could have fermented and alcohol ignited it
answered Aug 15 '13 at 21:30
ganjaganja
1
add a comment |
It could have fermented and alcohol ignited it
answered Aug 15 '13 at 21:30
ganjaganja
1
add a comment |
It could have fermented and alcohol ignited it
answered Aug 15 '13 at 21:30
ganjaganja
1
It could have fermented and alcohol ignited it
answered Aug 15 '13 at 21:30
ganjaganja
1
answered Aug 15 '13 at 21:30
ganjaganja
1
answered Aug 15 '13 at 21:30
ganjaganja
1
answered Aug 15 '13 at 21:30
ganjaganja
1
1
add a comment |
add a comment |
Bananas is the only fruit that contains radiation. That is why it will catch fire.
answered Oct 24 '16 at 12:19
HazelHazel
1
All fruits (and non-fruits) "contain radiation". Else it wouldn't be possible to do carbon dating, for example.
– rumtscho♦
Oct 24 '16 at 12:34
The (slight) radioactivity from a banana's potassium has nothing to do with it catching fire in a microwave.
– Daniel Griscom
Oct 24 '16 at 22:22
1
It would be great if your answer contained a source that you can cite that indicates this.
– milesmeow
Oct 25 '16 at 6:03
add a comment |
Bananas is the only fruit that contains radiation. That is why it will catch fire.
answered Oct 24 '16 at 12:19
HazelHazel
1
All fruits (and non-fruits) "contain radiation". Else it wouldn't be possible to do carbon dating, for example.
– rumtscho♦
Oct 24 '16 at 12:34
The (slight) radioactivity from a banana's potassium has nothing to do with it catching fire in a microwave.
– Daniel Griscom
Oct 24 '16 at 22:22
1
It would be great if your answer contained a source that you can cite that indicates this.
– milesmeow
Oct 25 '16 at 6:03
add a comment |
Bananas is the only fruit that contains radiation. That is why it will catch fire.
answered Oct 24 '16 at 12:19
HazelHazel
1
Bananas is the only fruit that contains radiation. That is why it will catch fire.
answered Oct 24 '16 at 12:19
HazelHazel
1
answered Oct 24 '16 at 12:19
HazelHazel
1
answered Oct 24 '16 at 12:19
HazelHazel
1
answered Oct 24 '16 at 12:19
HazelHazel
1
1
All fruits (and non-fruits) "contain radiation". Else it wouldn't be possible to do carbon dating, for example.
– rumtscho♦
Oct 24 '16 at 12:34
The (slight) radioactivity from a banana's potassium has nothing to do with it catching fire in a microwave.
– Daniel Griscom
Oct 24 '16 at 22:22
1
It would be great if your answer contained a source that you can cite that indicates this.
– milesmeow
Oct 25 '16 at 6:03
add a comment |
All fruits (and non-fruits) "contain radiation". Else it wouldn't be possible to do carbon dating, for example.
– rumtscho♦
Oct 24 '16 at 12:34
The (slight) radioactivity from a banana's potassium has nothing to do with it catching fire in a microwave.
– Daniel Griscom
Oct 24 '16 at 22:22
1
It would be great if your answer contained a source that you can cite that indicates this.
– milesmeow
Oct 25 '16 at 6:03
All fruits (and non-fruits) "contain radiation". Else it wouldn't be possible to do carbon dating, for example.
– rumtscho♦
Oct 24 '16 at 12:34
All fruits (and non-fruits) "contain radiation". Else it wouldn't be possible to do carbon dating, for example.
– rumtscho♦
Oct 24 '16 at 12:34
The (slight) radioactivity from a banana's potassium has nothing to do with it catching fire in a microwave.
– Daniel Griscom
Oct 24 '16 at 22:22
The (slight) radioactivity from a banana's potassium has nothing to do with it catching fire in a microwave.
– Daniel Griscom
Oct 24 '16 at 22:22
1
1
It would be great if your answer contained a source that you can cite that indicates this.
– milesmeow
Oct 25 '16 at 6:03
It would be great if your answer contained a source that you can cite that indicates this.
– milesmeow
Oct 25 '16 at 6:03
add a comment |
I belive the potassium in the banana would be a good conductor, but I have a few things to add.
The microwave runs on, well microwaves a form of radiation that penitrates what's in there and heats from with in.
A banana is also slightly radioactive, not harmful to humans though, and I belive the potassium is a conductor of both the microwaves and the radioactivity of the banana reacting to one another and the potassium is then chemically changed and then reacts to the microwaves emitted from the device
That's my hypothesis anyway let me know what you think.
answered Apr 24 '18 at 6:38
lancelance
1
chemically changed to what?
– Luciano
Apr 24 '18 at 9:33
add a comment |
I belive the potassium in the banana would be a good conductor, but I have a few things to add.
The microwave runs on, well microwaves a form of radiation that penitrates what's in there and heats from with in.
A banana is also slightly radioactive, not harmful to humans though, and I belive the potassium is a conductor of both the microwaves and the radioactivity of the banana reacting to one another and the potassium is then chemically changed and then reacts to the microwaves emitted from the device
That's my hypothesis anyway let me know what you think.
answered Apr 24 '18 at 6:38
lancelance
1
chemically changed to what?
– Luciano
Apr 24 '18 at 9:33
add a comment |
I belive the potassium in the banana would be a good conductor, but I have a few things to add.
The microwave runs on, well microwaves a form of radiation that penitrates what's in there and heats from with in.
A banana is also slightly radioactive, not harmful to humans though, and I belive the potassium is a conductor of both the microwaves and the radioactivity of the banana reacting to one another and the potassium is then chemically changed and then reacts to the microwaves emitted from the device
That's my hypothesis anyway let me know what you think.
answered Apr 24 '18 at 6:38
lancelance
1
I belive the potassium in the banana would be a good conductor, but I have a few things to add.
The microwave runs on, well microwaves a form of radiation that penitrates what's in there and heats from with in.
A banana is also slightly radioactive, not harmful to humans though, and I belive the potassium is a conductor of both the microwaves and the radioactivity of the banana reacting to one another and the potassium is then chemically changed and then reacts to the microwaves emitted from the device
That's my hypothesis anyway let me know what you think.
answered Apr 24 '18 at 6:38
lancelance
1
answered Apr 24 '18 at 6:38
lancelance
1
answered Apr 24 '18 at 6:38
lancelance
1
answered Apr 24 '18 at 6:38
lancelance
1
1
chemically changed to what?
– Luciano
Apr 24 '18 at 9:33
add a comment |
chemically changed to what?
– Luciano
Apr 24 '18 at 9:33
chemically changed to what?
– Luciano
Apr 24 '18 at 9:33
chemically changed to what?
– Luciano
Apr 24 '18 at 9:33
add a comment |
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4
@Aaronut - it can also ignite if it's heated too long: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_oven#Hazards
– justkt
Oct 1 '10 at 17:36
12
I suspect the bananas were, like many of the fruits you find in grocery stores, coated with some sort of food-grade wax. The dry woody end of the banana would have allowed this wax to heat to its flash point and ignite, catching the stem itself.
– Shog9♦
Oct 1 '10 at 17:41
2
I thaw my bananas in a bowl of warm water ... the only problem is that dealing with half-frozen bananas will chill your hands rather quickly. If I need the bananas stil frozen, I use a sharp paring knife, and cut the peel off.
– Joe
Oct 2 '10 at 3:46
1
I did this when attempting to 'bake' a potato in my new 950W microwave. It would have burnt the whole potato had I not intervened. Quite something to watch. A scientist friend suggested it was related to this phenomenon (bit.ly/fT6EA3) (first item on the page).
– 5arx
Feb 28 '11 at 12:51
1
Related blog on the Washington Post website.
– justkt
May 18 '11 at 16:21