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To prevent food borne illness, you
have to ensure that food are cook properly at the correct temperature. You
need to cook your food to temperatures that are high enough to destroy all
the bacteria, viruses and parasites. With a proper thermometer, you could
check the internal temperature of your food to find out if it is properly
cooked. Using a thermometer is a reliable way to ensure that food has
reached the proper temperature and can help to prevent food borne illness.
Cutting the food open to visually
inspect if the food is cooked is not a good way. The color of the meat
will not tell you if the meat has reached a safe temperature. Only a food
thermometer will be able to tell you what the internal temperature is. A
good, instant ready thermometer isn't a luxury item but rather a must.
So you may ask what kind of
thermometer you should be using. There are many different kinds of
thermometers that give an accurate temperature reading when used properly.
A digital instant-read thermometer is very easy to use and to read. Buy a
thermometer that gives an actual temperature reading and not just a range.
Some thermometers stay in the food while it cooks. Other thermometers go
into food only when we think it is almost done cooking. There are
thermometers that are suitable for different thickness of food too. Shop
around and choose the type of thermometer that's best for the type of
cooking you normally do.
To use the thermometer in the correct
manner, always read the manufacturer's instructions for proper directions.
Do not deviate from those instructions. In general, most
thermometers are put in the thickest part of the meat, away from
fat, bone or gristle. If the thermometer is inserted incorrectly, or
placed in the wrong area, the reading may not be accurately reflected.
Always wash the thermometer and any
other utensils you used with soap and hot water after checking the
temperature. If the food is not cooked enough, make sure you use a clean
thermometer when you check the temperature again. And remember to always
clean the thermometer before putting it away.
Some of the different types of
thermometers available are the liquid-filled thermometer, bimetal
thermometer which is oven safe, bimetal thermometer which gives an instant
reading and thermocouple thermometer.
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