Why you should never do this before cooking meat!
Who has never washed raw meat before putting it in the pan? It is an almost automatic gesture, a habit we have carried with us since we were children. Too bad it is a huge mistake! Washing meat does no good; in fact, it can do more harm than good.
Health authorities around the world, including the British Food Standards Agency, warn us about the risks of washing raw meat, especially chicken. But why? Let's find out together.
Why do some people wash meat?
Many people wash raw meat thinking they will get rid of bacteria. But water is not enough to clean meat thoroughly. Bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter resist water and can spread disease. The only sure way to kill them is to cook the meat well, reaching an internal temperature of at least 170°F (75°C).
What are the risks of washing meat?
To ensure maximum food safety, it is essential to avoid washing raw meat. Here's why:
- Spread of bacteria: Pathogenic bacteria on meat, such as Salmonella and E. coli, adhere tenaciously to its surface. Washing the meat does not remove them, but spreads them to the surrounding environment through water splashes, increasing the risk of contamination. This phenomenon is called "cross-contamination."
- Ineffectiveness of washing: Water cannot effectively remove bacteria on meat, as these microorganisms adhere firmly to the surface. In some cases, washing can even promote their penetration into meat tissues, creating an even more difficult environment to sanitize.
- Loss of natural juices: By washing meat, you risk removing its valuable natural juices, which not only help keep it juicy and tender during cooking, but also give it much of its flavor. These juices contain proteins and fats that are essential to enhance the flavor of the meat; by depriving it of them, the end result could be a less flavorful and drier dish.
How to prevent the spread of bacteria lurking in raw meat?
To avoid unpleasant food poisoning, it is essential to follow some simple rules when handling raw meat. Here are 3 essential tips to ensure maximum safety in the kitchen:
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked meat.
- Wash surfaces and utensils that have come in contact with raw meat thoroughly with hot water and detergent.
- Cook meat at the correct temperature to completely eliminate bacteria.
Conclusions
Imagine you wanted to wash away a virus with a jet of water: would it work? Probably not. Similarly, bacteria that lurk on raw meat cannot be eliminated by simply rinsing it off. Washing raw meat is like trying to sweep away dust with a broom: you end up spreading it all around. Cooking meat to the correct temperature, on the other hand, is like using a vacuum cleaner: it completely eliminates the problem. Remember: cooking is your secret weapon against bacteria.
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