Credit: Adobe Stock
People Are Asking Why We Can Eat Rare Steak But Not Rare Chicken
Experts have finally revealed what makes rare chicken inedible, but rare steak perfectly fine.
There are many different ways to choose how you like your steak cooked, but with chicken, the whole process is a bit more streamlined.
Some people prefer their cut of beef near enough still moo-ing, whereas other like it to be cooked within an inch of its life.
Either way, chicken is always cooked through thoroughly – unless you’re a fan of food poisoning.
But have you ever stopped to question why this could be, given that both are raw meat?
Of course, in the early days of civilization, cooking meat just wasn’t the done thing.
Early humans likely had different digestive systems and immune responses, and consumed raw meat as a primary food source for a long period of history.
This would have included consuming raw chicken, so what changed?
Over time, humans evolved, and the ability to cook food, especially meat, allowed for the digestive systems and immune responses to change dramatically.
According to research, the most popular choice for cooked steak is medium-rare.
This level of cooking offers tenderness, juiciness, and flavor, with a warm, pink center and a browned exterior.
Raw chicken contains bacteria like Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Clostridium perfringens, which can cause food poisoning if it’s not cooked to the correct temperature.
But to explain why, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed the difference between the two raw meats.
They note: “When cooked, chicken can be a nutritious choice, but raw chicken can be contaminated with Campylobacter, Salmonella, or Clostridium perfringens germs.”
Beef steaks can be eaten raw because they are single cuts of muscle.
This means that the bacteria which is present during slaughter is restricted to the outside of the meat.
So as long as it’s seared off at a high temperature, the inside can safely be left to eat rare.
Chicken works slightly differently.
While also available in single chunks, it has a more porous structure. This means that bacteria can seep into the meat more easily.
It’s necessary that chicken is cooked the whole way through before eating, meaning that medium rare chicken burger is very much off the menu.
Symptoms of food poisoning include diarrhea, stomach cramps and pain, nausea, vomiting, and a fever.
They usually develop within a few hours of consuming the raw product, but in some cases can take a few days.
Other symptoms include blood or mucus in the stool, feeling generally unwell, and aching muscles.
But it’s also wise to be cautious with steak, because improper handling and cross-contamination can still pose a risk.
However, the good news is that if you do become the unfortunate victim of food poisoning, there are some things you can do at home to help.
WebMD recommends getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, eating bland foods, and taking over-the-counter medicine to ease your symptoms.
Related Article: ‘World’s Deadliest Food’ Kills Over 200 People Every Year
Related Article: People Are Debating Whether You Should Wash Raw Chicken Before You Cook It
Want more stuff like this?
Get the best viral stories straight into your inbox!
