If you use the same ladle to stir and taste food while cooking, there is a risk of bacterial transmission. This is especially problematic if you are cooking raw meat or products with delicate textures, such as eggs.
Heat is not always enough to kill all germs if the ladle is regularly dipped in and out of the pan.
Changing the taste of food
A metal or plastic ladle can absorb aromas and gradually release them into the dish, changing its taste.
Additionally, a ladle exposed to direct heat may burn slightly on the edges, which can give the dish an unpleasant aftertaste.
Risk of tipping and burning
A ladle placed in a casserole dish can fall at any time. If it falls into a cooking utensil, it can cause hot liquid to splash, increasing the risk of burns and damage to the cooktop.
Even just lifting it may involve touching a hot surface, which carries the risk of painful burns.
Leaving
a ladle in a Dutch oven while cooking often means more stains and splatters on your kitchen counter and stove.
If the ladle is too hot, food residue may stick and be difficult to remove. Removing it after each use will help prevent this from happening.
Improving food safety
Compliance with hygiene rules in the kitchen, for example avoiding leaving cutlery in the dishes, helps ensure the safety of meals consumed.
A simple gesture, like returning the ladle to a clean plate after use, can make all the difference in preventing the spread of bacteria.
Use good reflexes in the kitchen
Instead of leaving the ladle in the casserole dish, get into the habit of placing it on a bowl or spoon rest.
This small change will help preserve the flavor of your food, prevent liquids from splashing, and make your kitchen cleaner and safer.
So, are you ready to say goodbye to this bad habit?
