Tips&TricksWashing your meat before cooking might be a mistake. Here's why

Washing your meat before cooking might be a mistake. Here's why

washing meat, photo. Freepik
washing meat, photo. Freepik

4:55 PM EST, January 11, 2024

Many people routinely wash all food products intended for cooking. In the case of vegetables, this is usually a good habit. However, when it comes to meat, you must be cautious about using too much water. This is because washing certain foods can occasionally do more harm than good.

Should you wash meat before cooking it?

It appears that washing raw meat and fish before cooking them doesn't actually remove microbes. Bacteria such as campylobacter, salmonella, and gaseous gangrene may be on the surface of poultry or beef. Rinsing meat under running water can allow germs to settle easily onto your clothes, kitchen furniture, or other products near the sink. The water splashes and spreads the microbes, which are only eliminated under high temperatures.

Which products should not be washed before cooking?

washing meat, photo. Freepik
washing meat, photo. Freepik
  • Sauerkraut: rinsing it before making sauerkraut stew or soup can strip away the lactic acid bacteria, which supports proper intestinal function.
  • Mushrooms: soaking them for an extended period can cause them to absorb water and lose both their taste and structure.
  • Eggs: these should not be washed after purchase, but only just before consumption. It's recommended to give them a hot bath with a drop of dish soap to ensure all salmonella bacteria are killed.
  • Pasta: washing raw noodles can remove the starch that makes them slightly sticky and pairs well with sauces. Additionally, pasta rinsed with water becomes less flavorful.
  • washing meat, photo. Freepik
    washing meat, photo. Freepik

    The dirtiest places in the kitchen

    It appears that there are certain areas in the kitchen that are full of germs. The most unhygienic places include:

  • Sinks and sponges,
  • Kitchen countertops,
  • Cutting boards.
  • Of course, the ideal solution is to wipe the countertops with antibacterial wipes after each use. Also, having several cutting boards can be beneficial. It's crucial to use one board for cutting raw meat, another for preparing fruits and vegetables, and a third for cutting bread.

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