Perhaps the kitchen is one of the busiest parts of the house. It has gone beyond being a simple place to cook food and store utensils and other appliances. Nowadays, a lot of homeowners make an extra effort to make their kitchen eye-catching.

For one, there are some who prefer to install quartz countertops on their kitchen. Others would prefer granite countertops that can complement the overall look of their kitchen.

Keeping safe in the kitchen

Practicing kitchen safety is just as important as keeping it clean. When it comes to safety, it does not only refer to preventing yourself from getting cut by a knife. Rather, it should also ensure food safety and avoiding health problems due to food mishandling.

Food mishandling or improperly using kitchen tools can cause you and your loved ones harm. That is why it is important to practice safety measures in the kitchen. After all, your home should be a safe place and that includes your kitchen and knowing the right safety measures.

Food preparation and safety tips

Preparing food is a crucial process. It is meant to be enjoyed and provide nourishment to our bodies and not the reason to be sent to the emergency room. Here are some important tips to remember when preparing food in your kitchen.

Wash your hands.

We already heard about this since we were children, but there is a good reason why we should follow this simple rule. In a day, we have most likely touched hundreds of items at home. These items may have germs and bacteria that are invisible to the naked eye.

Before you know it, you may have contaminated the food you have prepared. Aside from washing hands before preparing food, wash your hands also after handling certain foods like eggs or raw meat. Wipe your quartz kitchen tops also before and after preparing food to prevent cross-contamination.

Wash fruits, vegetables, and meat.  

It is important to wash fresh fruits and vegetables by putting them under running water for a few minutes. This is to remove any remnants of pesticides and even wax on fruits such as apples. Likewise, you should clean your engineered stone countertops too that came into contact with the produce and the meat.

Store leftover foods properly.

One major causes of food poisoning are due to improper food storage. Make sure to know which foods should be stored in the refrigerator to prolong shelf life. This includes milk, foods with mayonnaise and eggs, and salad dressing among a few. Let hot foods cool down a little bit before storing it in the fridge. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria in the food.

When in doubt, throw it out.

Check expiration dates in food packaging. Some food even has signs of molds even if the expiration date is still three days before. Meat that has been in the freezer for more than six months, and rotting fruits and vegetables – you can simply throw them away to be safe.

Use different cutting boards for each food group.

Avoid using granite countertops directly to cut food. Not only can it damage the material but also cause cross contamination. Also, the FDA recommends using separate cutting boards for meat and poultry, and fruits and vegetables. If using the same board is inevitable, prepare the fruits or vegetable first before using it for meats. Just make sure to wash the board with soap and hot water every after use.

Handling kitchen tools and equipment safety tips

It is also important to practice safety when using kitchen tools and equipment to prevent injuring yourself during food preparation. Here are some tips for handling kitchen tools safely.

Be careful when using a knife.

Getting accidentally cut by a knife can be painful and may even affect how you work in the kitchen. Make it a habit to cut away from the body and in a downward position. Do not rush in cutting like those show-off chefs on TV (they are professional cooks, so they most likely been preparing food longer than you).

Use other kitchen appliances safely.

When getting hot food from the microwave, use potholders to avoid getting burnt. Never leave metal spoons inside the microwave as well. Use a funnel to pour used hot oil to a container. In case of burns due to spilled hot soup or splattered cooking oil, put the burnt area under cold running water. Clean your quartz countertops after preparing food.

Choose the best countertop for your kitchen

Kitchen safety is important to prevent accidents and injuries. For your countertop needs, contact countertop replacement companies in Rockville and check their samples, too.