Lifestyle and your Health

How to Microwave Corn on the Cob

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Want some warm, crisp, juicy corn on the cobright away? Don’t want to boil out the vitamins? Got a microwave? Here’s how to prepare fresh corn in the shortest and easiest way!

Microwave Corn on the Cob

 

Steps

  1. 1
    Get some fresh-as-possible sweet corn (white or yellow).

     Get some fresh-as-possible sweet corn (white or yellow).

    Get some fresh-as-possible sweet corn (white or yellow). Try a grocer, a warehouse club, a farmers market, or even your own garden if you’ve been smart or lucky enough to grow your own. Just make sure each ear still has the husk around it.

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    • Fruits ripen by getting sweeter and softer. But corn, in which you’re actually eating a cluster of seeds, becomes firmer and starchy over time, and is therefore less desirable the longer it’s stored post harvesting. Buy only what you can eat within a few days and keep it refrigerated to slow down this process.[1]
    • If you have too much corn on hand after a harvest, cook and freeze it.
  2. 2

    If you like your corn plain or simply buttered or seasoned, just microwave it in the husk:

    • Trim the corn.

       Trim the corn.

      Trim the corn. Trim the ends to make sure that the corn ears will fit in the microwave. Also remove any very loose or very dry leaves, or protruding long, dry silk, to reduce the chance of creating a fire.

    • Place one or two ears in the center of the microwave as is. More might work in a big microwave, but each ear should be near the center and separated from others for even exposure to the microwaves.
  3. 3
    Microwave the corn.

     Microwave the corn.

    Microwave the corn. Try two minutes on high in an average 700 to 1000 watt microwave for one refrigerated ear, three minutes for two.

    • Alternatively, you may find that the corn requires 2-4 minutes per ear, or a total cook time of 6-8 minutes for 2 ears of corn.
  4. 4
    Allow the corn to sit wrapped up for a minute or so to distribute its heat and continue to cook.

     Allow the corn to sit wrapped up for a minute or so to distribute its heat and continue to cook.

    Allow the corn to sit wrapped up for a minute or so to distribute its heat and continue to cook. Thehusk contains little water, so it will remain cool.

    • Check for doneness by peeling back the husk and feeling or even nibbling a few kernels to test the temperature and the springiness of the kernels. Lay the husk back down for more microwaving if necessary. The softened, weakened husk and corn silk will come off easily.
    • If the corn is scorched or mushy, it’s overcooked – use less time in the future. But you might have to overcook the small end of the ear to get the rest of the corn right.
  5. 5
    Remove the husk and silk.

     Remove the husk and silk.

    Remove the husk and silk. The corn ear and its dense, watery stalk will be hot after cooking, staying hot inside the husk. Peel the corn carefully so as to avoid burning yourself.

  6. 6
    Roll in butter and season it (while hot) with salt and pepper if you like.

     Roll in butter and season it (while hot) with salt and pepper if you like.

    Roll in butter and season it (while hot) with salt and pepper if you like. Allow it to cool before eating.

  7. 7
    Eat the corn and enjoy.

     Eat the corn and enjoy.

    Eat the corn and enjoy. Microwaved corn is fresh and delicious; it can be eaten with your hands or using special corn cob tools.

    • Alternatively, you can remove the kernels for a side dish or to use in cooking. If doing this, avoid seasoning the kernels on the cob.

 

Adding flavor before microwaving

  1. 1

    Add flavors. If you’d rather have a flavored corn ear, peel the corn and cook the flavors straight into it, as suggested in the following steps.

  2. 2

    Shuck the corn. Pull the entire depth of leaves and corn under them off at once, as if peeling a banana rather than an onion. They’ll stay together for neat disposal. Not in agarbage disposal, they’re too fibrous – try the trash or compost. Leave the stem on for a handle, albeit one that will heat up when cooked, or tear it off with the husk.

    • Remove remaining silk. Pick it off, or rinse it off and pat or shake excess water from the corn.
  3. 3

    Place the corn on a plate or in microwave-safe vessel and add flavors, or even toppings like shredded cheese. Arrange the ears in a single layer with space between the cobs for even cooking.

    • Liquid flavors like lemon or lime juice can go on a paper towel around the corn to allow a small amount to soak in across its surface.
    • Rake the kernels with a fork first to enhance absorption.
  4. 4

    Cover the corn. You may want to cover the corn with a paper towel, plastic wrap, or a loose-fitting microwave safe lid to prevent drying. But if you cook it fast, and the kernels’ skins are intact, they should do the job.

  5. 5

    Microwave. As with corn in the husk, one ear takes about two to four minutes on high and more take a little longer. Some microwaves might need as little as 90 seconds per ear

 

Quick and Easy

  1. 1

    Soak the corn in the husks, in water for about 15 minutes before microwaving. Microwave on paper towels 3 minutes per ear.

 

How to Make Fizzy Strawberry Soda

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Strawberry soda is a delicious sparkling drink filled with the freshness of strawberries. What’s more, this drink is an ideal way to use up end-of-season strawberries that aren’t at their best or strawberries that are a bit too ripe or mushy.

Make Fizzy Strawberry Soda

 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of strawberries (if they’re mushy or too ripe, that’s fine; just avoid any moldy ones) – frozen strawberries can also be used
  • 1/2 cup ginger ale or club soda
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ice cubes

Steps

  1. 1
    Mash, blend or puree all of the strawberries until they are just a thick puree.

     Mash, blend or puree all of the strawberries until they are just a thick puree.

    Mash, blend or puree all of the strawberries until they are just a thick puree. Be sure there are no lumps as the aim is to create a smooth drink.

    • For tips on preparing fresh strawberries, read How to prepare fresh strawberries for more information.
  2. 2
    Pour the strawberry liquid into your tall glass.

     Pour the strawberry liquid into your tall glass.

    Pour the strawberry liquid into your tall glass. Mix to disperse the flavors. While mixing, add as muchginger ale or club soda and sugar as desired. This will make the drink fizzy and sweet; just be sure to taste it as you’re adding so that you don’t overdo the sweetness.

  3. 3
    Pour ice cubes in the drink.

     Pour ice cubes in the drink.

    Pour ice cubes in the drink. Blend the drink again to pulse the ice cubes through the entire drink.

    • Place the blended strawberry drink in refrigerator. Allow it to infuse for at least 3 hours; this will ensure a strong and delicious flavor.

 

  2. 4
    Serve while cold.

     Serve while cold.

    Serve while cold. Garnish with strawberry slices and mint leaves if wished (optional). Enjoy your drink!

 

Tips

  • Be sure to thoroughly mix the drink. If you see lumps, blend the drink more.

Dont put ice in before putting in fridge.Dont put glass in fridge put in sealed container of some sort first or fizz will be gone after 3 hours.

Things You’ll Need

  • Tall glass
  • Blender or masher
  • Spoon or other mixing equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alternative Gum Disease Treatment

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Gum disease is an uncomfortable condition caused when bacteria invade your gums. The bacterial infection causes pain and inflammation, and if left untreated, gum disease can eventually cause tooth and bone loss. Herbal medicine offers many options to treat gum disease with herbs that reduce infection, cut down inflammation and strengthen your general immune health so you can heal on your own.

 

  1. Ginger Root

    • Ginger root is a common healing herb used in natural medicine. According to “The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook” by Tillotson et al., ginger works on gum disease by inhibiting inflammation caused by prostaglandin and thromboxane, as was indicated in a 1992 study by Kiuchi et al. To use ginger, take up to 1.5 grams up to three times per day. If you prefer to use ginger tea, you can drink it. Make sure to swish the tea on the affected gum area for best results.

    Tulsi

    • Tulsi is a natural antibiotic and antiviral herb with anti-inflammatory properties that help heal gum disease. Tillotson notes a 1996 study by Pandey in which tulsi was found to be effective against “fungi, as well as the bacteria E. coli.” In the same study, tulsi was also found to be an effective treatment against staph bacteria. The anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties of tulsi make it a powerful treatment for gum disease.
      Tillotson suggests a dose of 2 grams of dried powdered tulsi administered two to three times per day. You can also take tulsi in a tea, which you can swish around to make direct contact with the affected gum areas. Do not use tulsi if you are pregnant or nursing. Tillotson warns against using Tulsi for an extended period of time.

    Honeysuckle Flower

    • Honeysuckle flower is a useful antibiotic and anti-inflammatory used in treating mouth and throat inflammations. According to Holistic Online, you should consult an herbal practitioner before using honeysuckle flower if your gum disease has progressed to open sores. They recommend a dose of 6 to 15 grams of honeysuckle flower. Larger doses should be supervised by a qualified medical professional or trained herbal practitioner.

    Echinacea

    • Echinacea is an herbal remedy that bolsters your immune system, increasing your body’s ability to fight off gum disease. According to Holistic Online, echinacea is commonly used to fight gingivitis and mouth ulcers. The anti-inflammatory properties of echinacea also contribute to its effectiveness against gum disease. Holistic Online suggests a dose 900 mg of powdered echinacea in a supplement capsule up to three times per day. Take echinacea should for a set period of time, and stop taking it for a rest period once you have taken a steady dose for three weeks.

    Licorice Root

    • Licorice root has powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and healing effects that make it a popular treatment for gum disease. According to “One Earth,” licorice root can interact with certain medications, so you must contact your doctor if you are taking medications, particularly those that treat blood pressure or fluid retention. You can use a type of licorice treated to reduce side effects, called deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), as a mouthwash to heal mouth and gum ulcers. Overdoses of licorice root can lead to negative symptoms, so “One Earth” recommends a dose of 1.2 to 1.8 grams of licorice root per day. If you want to use a higher dose, talk to your doctor to make sure it is safe.

 

Gum Disease and Natural Healing

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The pain, discomfort and infection associated with gum disease can progress into a more serious infection if it is not treated. Fortunately, natural healing offers some highly effective alternatives to medical antibiotic treatment for gum irritation, and you may already have some of these cures in your home. If you have serious gum disease, extreme pain, or if you are on any medications, talk to your doctor before embarking on an herbal treatment plan.

 

  1. Salt Rinse

    • Natural relief and treatment for gum disease may be as close as the dining room table. A salt rinse is a gentle treatment for gum disease. It helps to reduce pain and swelling and kills bacteria. Many dentists recommend a steady regimen of salt rinsing after surgery to reduce the risk of infection due to bits of food.

      According to Nancy Symonds, registered dental hygenist and writer for Support 4 Change, if you are on a salt-free diet, you can use baking soda instead of salt. Symonds suggests 1 to 2 tsp. of baking soda per quart of water for a gentle baking soda rinse.

    Bloodroot

    • Bloodroot’s effects on gum disease are well-known in the dental community. According to Holistic Online, bloodroot’s main ingredients include sanguinarine. Sanguinarine is an ingredient used in some mouthwash formulas to reduce gum inflammation and fight infection. Bloodroot has also been shown to have a healing effect on bronchitis, asthma and nasal polyps.

    Prickly Ash Bark

    • Prickly ash bark is a stimulant and anti-inflammatory herb which can help heal mouth ulcers. According to “One Earth,” in Nigeria, prickly ash bark is a common oral hygiene aid. People use “…a decoction of the root bark” as a treatment for tooth pain. Another form of prickly ash, called fagara root, is used as a chewing stick to heal mouth ailments and improve general oral health. Some herbalists caution against using prickly ash bark for children due to its potential side effects.

    Oak Bark Powder

    • Oak bark powder can help reduce the inflammation caused by gum disease, and also acts as an antiseptic for ulcerated gums. According to Holistic Online, an oak bark tea made of 1 tsp. of oak bark powder in 1 cup of water can be used three times per day. Swishing the tea directly around the affected area for 30 to 60 seconds can help your gum disease heal from direct contact with the herbal tea. Oak bark powder can also be taken in a tincture if you prefer not to take it as a tea.

    Neem

    • If you have exhausted all other options, neem is one of the most powerful and potent treatments for gum disease that has developed boils. Neem’s antibacterial and and antifungal properties have proven effects on the infections behind gum disease. Because of the risks neem poses to your reproductive health, you should only take neem as a last resort under the supervision of a qualified herbalist.

      According to “The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook” by Tillotson et al, neem can be taken as a powder or as a tincture. You should not use neem for more than three weeks at a time due to a “damping effect on digestive, sexual and reproductive functions.” Neem fights infection and fever, but it has also been shown to cause short-term infertility in rhesus monkeys and rats when injected into the reproductive organs. In short, Neem should be used for only a short period of time because extended use can make you temporarily infertile.


 

How to Treat Gum Disease Without Surgery

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Gum disease—or periodontal disease—is an infection of the bone and gum tissues caused by an accumulation of plaque and bacteria. Many symptoms of gum disease do not appear until advanced stages of the disease, but indications may include persistent bad breath odor, sores or pus in between teeth, loose teeth or separation and movement in your regular bite, swollen gums, and bleeding when brushing or flossing. Although surgery is one option for combating gum disease, alternative treatments can be employed to help fight periodontal disease.

 

Instructions

 

  • Maintain proper oral hygiene to halt the progression of gum disease. Brush your teeth a minimum of twice daily for at least 2 minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste.

  • 2

    Perform a thorough daily cleaning with an interdental cleaner or dental floss to clean hard-to-reach places between teeth. Avoid smoking, sugary drinks and foods, and eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and lean meats to maintain balanced pH levels.

  • 3

    Have your teeth regularly scaled and rooted if your pockets are larger than 3 mm to remove plaque and tartar buildup.

  • 4

    Work with your regular physician to maintain hormonal balance, as fluctuations in levels in females promote gingivitis. Diabetes is also a high-risk factor, so if you suffer from the disease try to maintain a balanced glucose level to avoid periodontal infections. Avoid medications that decrease saliva production, such as some antidepressants and heart medications, as saliva protects your teeth and gums.

  • 5

    Ask your dentist about medications that may cut down on infections; antimicrobial mouth rinses such as chlorhexidine can help control bacteria in the mouth. Also available are antiseptic chips that can be placed in deep pockets of gums (due to gum recession) to slowly release medicine, as well as antibiotics and medicated gels.