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Cooking foods properly will ensure that
bacteria are destroyed. Different types of foods will require
temperatures of different degrees to kill the bacteria. It is by using a
thermometer that will help us to determine the internal temperature that
the food must achieve. It is not the cooking temperature of the oven or
the burner.
When cooking meat, use a meat thermometer as
it is the only way to ensure that the food you are cooking has been
cooked well enough to be safe to eat. There are many types of
thermometers available in the market. It is always good to remember a
few tips when using your meat thermometer -
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Always
insert the thermometer stem into the thickest part of the meat. Be
sure to keep it away from large pieces of fat, gristle or bone as
these areas will give you a false temperature reading.
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Check the
temperature of thin foods like hamburgers or pork chops within 1
minute after removing them from the cooking surface.
-
Check the
temperature of thicker foods like roasts or large steaks after they
have been away from the cooking heat for 5-10 minutes.
-
Take the
temperature reading after leaving the thermometer in the food for 30
seconds.
-
Check the
temperature in several places if the food does not have a regular
shape and ensure that you take the reading of the thickest part.
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After
using, wash the thermometer using a hot soapy water.
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