Hot Enough?

 

How Hot Is Hot Enough?

 

One most of the most crucial aspects of preparing safe food are making sure all meats reach a sufficiently high internal temperature to kill disease causing microbes. For some this is not an issue, my father liked all his meats cooked what he called Pittsburghed.  This meant cooking it dried all the way through and charring the outside a nice even BLACK. My father knew his way around the kitchen but was not a gourmet.

For most of us this is a bit extreme, I like most meat medium at best and Red Meats I prefer still talking on the plate, for those like myself a good Meat Thermometer is a must have. They are cheap insurance against food poisoning.

A good Meat Thermometer  will cost you less than $25.00 US, My personal favorite is the ProAccurate Quick-Read Thermometer . It has a large easy to read display and fits comfortably in the pocket of my jacket. Buy one and keep it handy while cooking. I have included here a chart of the recommended cooking temperatures for most meats. I hope you will take it and make good use of it.

Recommended Safe Cooking Temperatures

Fahrenheit Celsius Fresh Beef Medium Rare 145 63 Medium 160 71 Well Done 170 77 Ground Beef 160 71 Fresh Veal Medium Rare 145 63 Medium 160 71 Well Done 170 77 Fresh Lamb Medium Rare 145 63 Medium 160 71 Well Done 170 77 Game Deer 165 74 Rabbit 180 82 Duck 180 82 Goose 180 82 Ratites Ostrich 160 71 Rhea 160 71 Emu 160 71 Eggs Fried, poached (cook until yolk and white are firm) Casseroles 160 71 Sauces, custards 160 71 Poultry Chicken 180 82 Turkey 180 82 Turkey Roast (boneless) 170 77 Stuffing (inside or outside bird) 165 74 Fresh Pork Chops, Roast, Ribs Medium 160 71 Well Done 170 77 Cured Pork Ham, Fresh 160 71 Sausage, Fresh 160 71   Note: Home cooking temperatures are slightly higher than commercial cooking temperatures to provide a safety margin in case of variation in the accuracy of home thermometers. Consumer guidelines from U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Services; and U.S. Food and Drug Administration