How to Properly Use a Food Thermometer to Obtain Accurate Readings. | Eating food that is not fully cooked is not advisable. It is also challenging to know whether food is well cooked just by looking at it. Smelling, tasting, or looking like food is not accurate enough in determining if it is safe for consumption. Food thermometers help to detect whether food is well cooked or not. The thermometer evaluates the food by reading its internal temperatures and bacterial activity in the food.
Food that is not well cooked can also cause food poisoning when the food’s recommended internal temperature is not attained after cooking. You can use a food temperature chart to help determine the optimal temperatures of various food types. Additionally, food stops being safe when the minimum temperature is passed. It is usually known as the danger zone. Different foods also have varying minimum and maximum temperature that is considered safe for consumption.
Use a food thermometer to obtain accurate readings.
Every manufacturer will provide written instructions on how to use a piece of equipment. Before using a food thermometer, always ensure that you go through all the manufacturer’s instructions. You should have some background knowledge on how to operate and use the thermometer to obtain accurate readings. Below are steps you can follow to ensure the correct use of the food thermometer.
- Test the food thermometer before using it to be sure it works. Use a medium such as boiling water or ice water to see the accuracy of the readings obtained.
- Secondly, you need to calibrate the food thermometer. Calibration of an instrument before using it will help you obtain more accurate readings with fewer errors.
- The next step of using a thermometer efficiently involves proper placement of the food thermometer on the food being measured. You should ensure that the thermometer is correctly placed. To obtain accurate measurements, always put the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should also not touch any bone, gristle, or fat in the food.
- Last but not least, do not take an immediate reading from the thermometer. You should give the food thermometer some time to pick up the correct temperature. Additionally, ensure that the temperature readings are taken before removing the food from the heat.
- Lastly, always take good care of the food thermometer. Ensure the thermometer is clean and always wash it with soapy water after use. Cleaning the food thermometer helps to ensure that you do not cross-contaminate food by transferring bacteria.
Using a food thermometer is not a solution that guarantees your food safety unless accurately used. You need to take care of the thermometer, calibrate, and use it properly to determine whether food is well cooked. You also need to know the correct way of using a food thermometer to obtain accurate readings. Make sure that you are following all the instructions given on the operation and use of the thermometer to avoid being misguided and getting food poisoning from the spread and growth of bacteria.