Meat should not be washed before cookingperiod.
But when it comes to cured meats, like bacon, should you rinse them?
The answer is a resounding no: Do not wash bacon before cooking.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
The myth that you should rinse bacon before cooking is wholly untrue, Alabama-based dietitian Chelsea Edwards tellsSouthern Living.
She explains why rinsing bacon does nothing to improve the healthiness of our favoritebreakfast meat.
Do You Wash Or Rinse Bacon Before Cooking?
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
“Bacon should not be rinsed before cooking,” Edwards explains.
It potentially washes away any seasoning and can spread harmful bacteria around your sink or kitchen, she says.
And Edwards says that cooks rarely heed that advice.
But if you thought rinsing bacon was normal, you arent alone.
As long as bacon is cooked until crisp, it should have reached a safe temperature.
Bacon should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
If it’s frozen, thaw it under refrigeration before use.
Most importantly, Edwards says, is touse bacon in a timely mannerto avoid getting sick.
“Use open bacon within seven days then either toss it out or freeze it,” she says.
Does Rinsing Bacon Remove The Sodium?
But the USDA says that rinsing bacon is not effective.
If you should probably reduce your sodium intake, start by buying a healthier product instead.
Look for bacon marked “low sodium” and check the nutrition information on the package.
For best taste, the USDA recommends consuming bacon within four months of freezing.
Cooking meat to the correct temperature will eliminate any foodborne pathogens.
Washing Food: Does it Promote Food Safety?USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Bacon and Food Safety.
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
