When was the last time you enjoyed a deliciously juicy pork chop? Pork chops are one of the most satisfying treats out there when they are prepared correctly, however, they are very difficult to perfect! It is very easy to make your pork chops dry, overcooked, or undercooked.
If you end up overcooking your pork, while it may not taste very nice, it doens’t pose any long term risks to your health. However, undercooked pork chops can make you very sick. It is very important to make sure that your pork is cooked properly.
Undercooked pork has certain tastes that will give you an indication as to whether it is properly cooked. It will also look a certain way if it is undercooked.
This article will provide you with an ultimate guide to undercooked pork, what it tastes and looks like, and the damage that eating undercooked pork can cause.
Taste Of Undercooked Pork
Undercooked pork can have a few different tastes. Sometimes, you may not be able to tell that it is undercooked and at other times it may taste slightly different than usual.
Look Of Undercooked Pork
Undercooked pork will be slightly pink inside. This is where it gets slightly complicated, though! Eating pork with a small amount of pink inside will not harm you, but too much definitely will.
To check that your pork is cooked thoroughly, even if there is a little bit of pink left in the middle, it is highly recommended that you get a thermometer to check the temperature of the meat. It needs to reach a temperature of around 145 degrees Fahrenheit to be cooked to a safe level.
If your pork is undercooked, you will see temperatures ranging from 100 degrees Fahrenheit to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure that you place this meat back on the grill for longer to ensure that it is cooked properly.
After you remove your pork from the grill, you should let it sit for around 3 minutes. This is because the temperature of the meat is likely to rise about 10 degrees in three minutes. You also want to make sure that your pork isn’t overcooked, as it can get dry.
Risks Of Eating Undercooked Pork
Eating undercooked pork can be very dangerous. Pork meat comes from pigs and it is prone to certain bacteria and parasites that may remain in the meat if it is not cooked.
The cooking process kills off these bacteria so if the meat is not properly cooked to the correct temperature, this bacteria may survive.
Eating pork that contains this bacteria can make you very unwell. It can contain the parasite named Trichinella spiralis, which causes an infection in humans known as trichinellosis.
If you contract trichinellosis, you may experience nausea and vomiting after one or two days of eating undercooked meat. If this is left untreated, you will experience abdominal cramps and swelling around your eyes.
With undercooked pork, there is also a risk of salmonella, or E.Coli, or tapeworms. They can enter your digestive tract and reproduce, leading to infections.
Symptoms Of Eating Undercooked Pork
If you consume undercooked pork, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
Digestive problems
Pain
Irritation
Weight Loss
Blocked intestine
If you have contracted tapeworms and you suddenly experience seizures, you may have developed cysticercosis. If you experience any of these symptoms, ensure that you seek medical attention immediately!
Who Is More At Risk?
Those who have a compromised immune system are more at risk of contracting illnesses from eating the undercooked meat. These people should be more vigilant when it comes to following the guidelines and cooking pork to the temperature.
Those who are pregnant should be very careful with undercooked meat and people living with HIV or diabetes will also need to make sure that their food is properly prepared.
Overcooked Pork
Overcooked pork is not dangerous in the same way as undercooked meat. It is unappetizing and tough, but it does not pose a risk to your health.
You should aim to get your pork to a temperature of 145 degrees to ensure that it is neither undercooked nor overcooked.
How Can You Tell If Your Pork Is Still Fresh?
If you’ve had some pork in the fridge for a couple of days it is a good idea to check if the pork is still fresh enough to cook and eat. To ensure this, you will need to look at the color of the meat.
If your meat is light pink or white, then it is safe to cook. However, if there are any signs of gray or black on the meat, then you should not eat it!
You can usually keep pork in the refrigerator for around 3 to 5 days after you have thawed the meat and you shouldn’t refreeze the meat after it has thawed.
Is Cooked Pork Good For You?
Pork, if it is prepared properly, is very good for you. It is a great source of vitamins and minerals.
It is rich in thiamine which is required for a range of different functions. It contains B6 and B12 vitamins which are essential for healthy brain function. Pork is also a great source of iron so it is great for those who struggle with an iron deficiency.
Pork is quite high in fat content, so it is not great to eat it in high quantities, but pork as part of a balanced diet is great.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! You should now have all the information you need on eating undercooked pork. This article has provided you with the ultimate guide to the taste and look of undercooked pork, and the risks that come with eating pork that has not been cooked to temperature.
Have you ever made something so delicious that you wished you could savor it forever?
Only to find that the recipe has now mysteriously vanished from your phone and the entirety of the internet. Yep, there’s not much more painful than that.
Hi, my name is Mark Williams and I have been infatuated with cooking since I was young. I would beg my mother to pull a chair up to the counter so I could watch what she was doing.
