In the previous lesson, we learned how important it is to promote safety and sanitation during food preparation, storage, and consumption. In this activity, you will choose one kitchen tool for the following list and describe how to maintain the item and what its role is during the “clean, separate, cook, and chill” procedure.
Task 1: Choose a kitchen tool
Knives
Pans
Cutting boards
Task 2: In at least 5 sentences, describe
how to care for this item and maintain its cleanliness
its role in the “clean, separate, cook, and chill” procedure
how it might lead to food-bourn illness if improperly cared for
For an example, read the following paragraph. I choose measuring cups (you must choose from the above list)
The kitchen tool I choose to write about are measuring cups. The measuring cups are usually plastic or glass and should be washed thoroughly with warm, soapy water after each use. They are also able to be washed in the dishwasher. Measuring cups should be washed between uses. This is part of the “separate” procedure. For example, you should never measure egg whites in a measuring cup, and immediately after measuring chocolate chips. It could lead to food-bourn illness if the bacteria in uncooked egg whites got on the chocolate chips and were eaten.
The kitchen tool I choose to write about are knives. Knives should always be washed with warm, soapy water after each use and dried thoroughly to prevent any moisture from remaining on the blades, as this can lead to rusting. It is also recommended to hand wash knives instead of putting them in the dishwasher to avoid damage to the blade. Knives should be stored in a knife block or knife rack to keep the blades protected and prevent accidental cuts.
In terms of its role in the "clean, separate, cook, and chill" procedure, knives are essential for the "clean" step as they need to be thoroughly cleaned to remove any food particles or bacteria that may be present. They are also used during the "separate" step to keep different types of food separate, such as using different knives for raw meat and vegetables to avoid cross-contamination. During the "cook" step, knives are used for cutting and preparing ingredients for cooking, ensuring that the food is properly and evenly cooked. Finally, knives should be cleaned and dried properly before being stored in order to maintain their cleanliness and prevent any bacteria from multiplying.
If improperly cared for, knives can lead to foodborne illness. If knives are not cleaned properly, bacteria from one type of food can contaminate another type of food, leading to cross-contamination. This can result in the consumption of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli or Salmonella, which can cause foodborne illness. Additionally, knives that are not dried properly can lead to rusting, which can contaminate food and pose a health risk if consumed. Therefore, it is crucial to properly care for and maintain knives to ensure food safety.