Contents:
- Medical Video: That ‘Blood’ In Your Meat Isn’t What You Think It Is
- Red liquid on meat steaks not blood
- Then, is the red liquid in steak meat safe to consume?
Medical Video: That ‘Blood’ In Your Meat Isn’t What You Think It Is
When you order a meat steak menu in a restaurant, you will definitely be asked what level of maturity you want - rare, medium rare, medium, to well done. Most culinary experts advise you to eat medium rare steaks because the texture of the meat is more tender and tastes more natural. But many people are hesitant to order this "half cooked" meat because of thisthere is still red liquid coming out of the meat, which is thought to be blood. So, what is the red liquid that comes out of medium rare meat? Is it dangerous if consumed?
Red liquid on meat steaks not blood
Not blood. The red liquid that you see seeping out of half-cooked meat after the actual cut is myoglobin. Myoglobin is a protein that stores oxygen in the muscles of mammals - just like hemoglobin in the human body.
Myoglobin is what makes meat red. The more red and dark the color of the meat, the more myoglobin is contained inside. That is why beef (along with lamb, goat and pork) is classified as "red meat".
When meat is cooked, myoglobin will react so that it turns darker and darkens for a long time. Myoglobin in half-cooked meat has not completely changed, so there is still a little reddish color in the middle.
In addition, half-cooked meat still has more water content than fully cooked meat. Therefore, the combination of myoglobin and the remaining water in the meat makes the steak emit red liquid which has been considered blood.
Then, is the red liquid in steak meat safe to consume?
Because it's not blood,medium rare meat remains safe for consumption. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics even states that there is no need to cook meat until it is very cooked to be consumed safely. As long as the meat is thoroughly cooked at a temperature of at least 62 degrees Celsius. So, don't hesitate to try eating half-cooked steaks, as long as the processing and presentation are correct and clean.
However, not all red meat is half cooked and is safe for consumption. If your steak is made from ground meat, then make sure that the level of maturity is perfect or well-done.
Milled meat has undergone a process of production and processing that makes all parts exposed to equipment that is not necessarily clean of bacteria. That is why it is very likely that bacteria are left in ground meat rather than fresh meat cut in langding. For processed foods from ground meat, meat must be cooked at a minimum of 71 degrees Celsius.
Also keep in mind that regardless of whether or not it is safe to eat half-cooked meat steaks, there are certain health risks that you might face if you eat red meat. The World Health Organization (WHO has stated that people who eat lots of grilled meat experience an increased risk of developing cancer by up to 30 percent.
