Warning: overheated Xmas pud potentially explosive

LONDON -- Christmas puddings, the traditional dessert eaten by Britons during the festive season, can explode if left too long in the microwave, causing a blast big enough to rip through a house, the Sun newspaper warned yesterday.

Fruit, sugar and water, among the main ingredients of the puddings, can react explosively when overheated and spark a fire, the paper said.

A 49-year-old woman recently needed hospital treatment when her pudding blew up, the paper reported.

"People must realise they are dealing with a potential explosive when they put puddings in the microwave," a Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents spokesperson, David Jenkins, told the tabloid.

"It seems comical, but they could cause a blast capable of ripping through any home and leaving a big hole in the festivities."

Christmas pudding includes raisins soaked in brandy or whisky, sugar, butter and spices.

On Christmas Day, brandy is traditionally poured over the pudding and set alight. The dessert is often served with custard. -- Sapa-AFP