February 18, 2024 | 05:43 pm PT
My household usually shops a whole lot of frozen meat and fish. Is it protected to thaw these meals with sizzling water, and can their vitamins be preserved if I accomplish that? (Thuong, 22, Nghe An)
Reply:
Freezing is an efficient technique for preserving meals. Nonetheless, improper thawing strategies, similar to utilizing sizzling water, can result in spoilage, nutrient loss, altered style, and degradation of meals high quality.
Thawing frozen meat and fish with sizzling water particularly could cause overcooking, nutrient loss, diminished taste, and spoilage. Moreover, sizzling water usually solely thaws the outer layer of the meals, leaving the within frozen and doubtlessly unhygienic.
On your security, it is strongly recommended to thaw frozen meals slowly by transferring it from the freezer to the fridge compartment. Alternatively, you possibly can thaw meals naturally at room temperature. It’s essential to make use of the meals instantly after thawing.
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Frozen uncooked fish slices. Illustration photograph by Freepik |
One other advisable thawing technique entails including salt and vinegar to water, stirring properly till the answer is totally dissolved. Though this technique requires time, it ensures that the meals thaws safely and stays scrumptious.
In conditions the place fast thawing is important, utilizing a microwave or submerging the tightly wrapped meals in a bowl of chilly water might be efficient.
You will need to do not forget that as soon as meals has been thawed, it shouldn’t be refrozen, even when absolutely cooked, to keep away from the chance of bacterial contamination, nutrient loss, and meals poisoning. Moreover, keep away from freezing foods for prolonged durations to forestall potential detrimental well being results.
Dr. Nguyen Duy Thinh
Institute of Meals Expertise and Biotechnology, Hanoi College of Science and Expertise