Can I use the same board for meat and vegetables?
I've heard that it's not good to use the same board for vegetables and meat, not only when you are making a salad but in general. Something about the bacteria in dirt and the bacteria in the meat is a bad mix.
But I'm wondering if you are making a stew of some sort, where you need to boil both meat and vegetables together, can I safely use the same board for both?
I'm thinking since it will be cooked together anyways, what danger can there be?
Best Answer
I understand the intent of the advice to always keep meat and vegetable preparation tools and areas separate is to establish a habit, to avoid the possibility of cross contamination in cases where you are not going to be cooking the vegetables as much or at all; and similarly in a catering environment to be able to visibly demonstrate that working practices are such that cross contamination cannot occur.
Pictures about "Can I use the same board for meat and vegetables?"
Do I need separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables?
Just follow these guidelines: Use two cutting boards: one strictly to cut raw meat, poultry and seafood; the other for ready-to-eat foods, like breads and vegetables. Don't confuse them. Consider buying different color cutting boards so it's easy to remember which is for raw meat and which is for ready-to-eat foods.Can you use wooden cutting board for meat and vegetables?
Which type of cutting board should you use? Chapman recommends using plastic cutting boards for meat and wood cutting boards for fruit, vegetables, or any ready-to-eat foods (like bread or cheese).Is it safe to use the same cutting board for meat?
The Meat and Poultry Hotline says that consumers may use wood or a nonporous surface for cutting raw meat and poultry. However, consider using one cutting board for fresh produce and bread and a separate one for raw meat, poultry, and seafood.Can you use the same chopping board for everything?
Use different cutting boards for different foods Because bacteria can grow even after a board has been thoroughly washed, it's further recommended that cutting boards be replaced when they become worn through by knife scratches and cracks.More answers regarding can I use the same board for meat and vegetables?
Answer 2
I think that it is fine to use the same chopping board if the meat and vegetables are going into the pot at the same time. However, often recipes will call for the meat to be browned first and then the vegetables added. In these cases I would recommend using a different chopping board or thoroughly cleaning the chopping board between cutting the meat and vegetables.
I agree that it is a good practice to use separate chopping boards for meat and vegetables even if both will be cooked together, particularly if children or inexperienced cooks observe you cooking and may mistakenly think that it is fine to use the same board in all circumstances.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Rajesh TP, Rajesh TP, Sebastian Coman Photography, Daniel Reche