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How To Clean, Cook, And Store Chicken And Fish

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

We have all heard about the ill health effects that eating uncooked chicken and fish can cause. However, what many of us fail to realize is that cleaning and storing chicken and fish are just as important in preventing illness from contaminated food items.

In general, when cleaning fish and chicken you should always use a separate cutting board than is used for any other food item. Bacteria can become trapped in cuts on the board and transfer to other foods in this manner. Fish and chicken should also be rinsed well.

Cooking fish and chicken may seem fairly simple, but if this task is not complete correctly, it can cause illness in the individuals who consume these foods. Chicken should be cooked until the minimum internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and seafood should be cooked until it reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

In storing chicken and fish a few rules should be followed. Chicken can be stored from one to two days in the refrigerator and up to one year in a freezer. If it’s fried, these times can be somewhat extended. Cooked fish can be refrigerated for three to four days and frozen for four to six months.

A Wooden Cutting Board Vs. A Plastic Cutting Board

admin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Many cooks have been debating this issue for many year: which cutting board is better, wooden or plastic? Both cutting board help keep counters safe but there are some difference between them.
The wooden cutting board is sturdy and will last a long time. Knife do not actually cut into the board but rest between the wood fibers. Wood boards also help keep the juices from meat from getting all over the counter. It is said wood is easier to clean and will kill off bacteria to the self healing materials of the wood.
Plastic cutting boards can be sanitized very easily. Hot soapy water or a cycle in the dishwasher can kill off bacteria on the board. Plastic is lightweight and can be easily move and stored as needed. They do not take up much room in the kitchen. Several plastic boards can be purchased verses one wood since plastic is fairly inexpensive.
With any board be sure to wash between uses to reduce cross contamination. In addition to cleaning or changing the board it is necessary to get a clean knife. Cutting boards should not be stored on the counter as they will come in contact with more bacteria.

Safe Food Preparation: What You Should Know And Do

admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Wash hands often with hot, soapy water for 20 seconds. Keep all surfaces used for food preparation clean.

Proper use of a cutting board is vital to safe food preparation. Never use a cutting board for more than one food item at a time to avoid cross-contamination. Clean the cutting board with hot soapy water between foods. If possible, use a separate cutting board for meats and produce. Never use the same cutting board for raw meat and cooked meat until the board has been cleansed thoroughly. Use a solution of one tablespoon bleach in one gallon of water to sanitize cutting boards and countertops.

The safest way to thaw frozen foods is in the refrigerator. If a faster thawing time is needed, place food in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water. Replace the water every 30 minutes. Foods may also be thawed in the microwave. Cook food immediately that has been thawed in cold water or the microwave.

Cook whole meats to a minimum of 145 F. Ground meats should be cooked to a minimum 160F and poultry 165 F. This should be the internal temperature when measured with a food thermometer. Always marinate meat in the refrigerator using a covered dish.

Safe at Home From Toxins

admin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

There are a lot of ways to feel like you’re keeping your family safe, from getting a Security Choice alarm to buying them protective eyewear to talking to them about strangers. But did you know some of the most harmful things to their health may be in your very own home? Here are some things to be aware of
Wash Your Produce – If you’re at all concerned about pesticides (and you should be) you’ve got to invest in an organic cleaning solution. If you can afford it, buy all organic but as that gets pricey you may find that a better option is to get a solution.
Limit Your Medicines – Many children-specific medicines are safe in small doses, but they’re being doled out at alarming rates. Don’t give pills for every headache or cough and instead, look into alternative remedies.
Check for Carbon Monoxide – The most harmful toxin on the list, carbon monoxide can be deadly so be sure to invest in a working detector for your home. Check it often and heed its warnings – don’t let your family be unaware of the dangers.

10 Ways To Keep A Cleaner And Healthier House

admin — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

With everyday activities weighing in on the amount of time that we have to clean, our home can sometimes be a complete mess in a quick amount of time. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, simply think and follow quick ten steps to getting a healthier and cleaner home. Step one, always have handy safe and green chemical cleaners that you can be sure are safe for you and your family. Another way to keep a clean home is to create a checklist that you follow on the chores that should get done each day.The full explanation can be found at http://actorweb.wordpress.com/2011/08/03/how-to-make-your-carpet-clean/ Try also to get the whole family involved in the cleaning process to make cleaning seem more fun. A fourth way to keep a healthier home is to teach children as well as adults to wash hands after using the bathroom. Fifth, keep antibacterial hand sanitizers ready for whenever you need them. As with any other job, cleaning can be tough; however, if you buy the correct cleaning tools such as a vacuum and broom then the task will not be as difficult. Try also to have assigned areas where kids can leave their shoes when they walk inside so that germs and bacteria do not get spread.

Choosing Healthy Dish And Laundry Detergents

admin — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

We all know that dish and laundry detergents are expensive. While you can get generic brands, these generic brands might not be the best thing you need at the moment. This is true if you have a baby. Here are some things that you need to understand when you are choosing these things.

The first thing is when you are choosing dish detergents, you will find that many of them are hard on your hands.Is this new to you? Catch up here If you pay a few more cents, you can change that. Many dish detergents are switching to where they are teaming up with lotion companies so that they can add a hand renewal ingredient. This helps if you wash dishes all day. If you do not have a dishwasher, you also need something that is tough on grease.

The thing with laundry detergents which you need to know about is that some of them are not good for those who have allergies. Those which are powerful in scent might not be the best when you have a person with allergies or a baby. They tend to have things that makes a person break out. So, if you have a baby who has such sensitive skin or you have someone who has allergic reactions, you need to find those which are said to be hypoallergenic. These are a few things to remember when you are loooking to choose healthy dish and laundry detergents.

Deadly Spores: How Mold Effects The Body

admin — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A little bit of mold in the home seems harmless and has never hurt anyone, right? Well, this is not exactly true. As a matter of fact, many common illnesses can actually be caused by mold growth within the home. Although some of these effects may seem minor, there are also some major concerns.

Immune Response

The immune response or reaction to mold often involves symptoms associated with an allergy. This can include but is not limited to rash, mild fever, sneezing, itching and watering eyes for example. However, the severity of these symptoms can vary significantly from one person to the next and those that may be sensitive can have a serious reaction.

Potential for Toxicity

Mold can actually be toxic, especially with prolonged or great exposure. Most commonly associated with black mold; memory loss, kidney failure and even brain damage can occur. Contrary to popular belief, this is not the only type of mold that can cause these problems.

Power of Spores

Mold spores are actually quite potent. Unlike other substances that may be destroyed with the common household cleaner, this is not the case with spores. They are hard to eradicate and are easily inhaled and ingested by the inhabitants in the home.

Keeping Your Home Free Of Mold And Bacteria

admin — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

There are many ways that you can keep your home free of mold and bacteria. You should keep in mind that mold loves moisture, so it is always best to keep certain areas of your house cleaned that are the most suspectible to mold. These areas include the bathtub, and the bathroom in general. Mold can grow anywhere in your home. You can prevent it by cleaning and keep areas clean in your home like they are suppose to be. Clean out your refrigerator like you are suppose to. Throw away old foods and scrub the inside and outside of the refrigerator and freezer. It is up to you to keep up with the cleanliness of your own home if you do not want unexpected visits to arise. Use a at home cleaning bleach to scrub counter tops and stoves, etc. The right cleaning supplies should be used for your bedrooms, living room, basement, bathrooms, and kitchens. Dusting, and keeping desk tops cleaned, should be a priority as well when cleaning. Do not let bacteria grow until it gets worse. Mold can produce some very serious effects, so the proper cleanliness is very important for you and your family’s health.