By: Natasha Archary
To wash the meat or not to wash the meat before cooking? And the verdict is still out on this one, although most people who do cook say washing meat before cooking is necessary.
The discussion came up on Kaya Drive with Sizwe Dhlomo and immediately sparked a debate amongst the team about why washing meat is and isn’t the safer option.
Sizwe’s view echoes that of the US Department of Agriculture who cite that washing meat before cooking doesn’t remove bacteria and may increase the risk of cross-contamination from splashes across the sink and work surface.
-
play_arrow
Fri 16:08:24 to 16:26:24 Kaya FM 95.9
Further to this, all meat needs to reach an optimal cooking temperature (depending on the type of meat) to ensure that all harmful bacteria such as E.Coli and Salmonella are killed.
Tyroline Franks says unless you’re washing meat with lemon juice or vinegar makes no difference as the bacteria you think you’re getting rid of with water is just going to spread. However, lemon and vinegar will start the cooking process due to their acidic properties. Surprisingly, the team germaphobe, Sandile van Heerden doesn’t feel it’s necessary to wash uncooked meat.
So, out of the entire team, it’s just Keneiloe Huma and me who wash meat before cooking it, although we disagree on which meats should and shouldn’t be washed.
Here’s how Kaya Drive listeners weighed in:
-
play_arrow
Kaya Drive: What’s the verdict on washing meat before cooking? Natasha
-
play_arrow
Kaya Drive: What’s the verdict on washing meat before cooking? Natasha
-
play_arrow
Kaya Drive: What’s the verdict on washing meat before cooking? Natasha
-
play_arrow
Kaya Drive: What’s the verdict on washing meat before cooking? Natasha
-
play_arrow
Kaya Drive: What’s the verdict on washing meat before cooking? Natasha
Just don’t wash meat in dishwashing liquid like this gent:
Also read: Justice for Nosicelo trends after women’s chopped body found
