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SECTION 1 • LOW TEMPERATURE COOKING INTRODUCTION
3.
LOW TEMPERATURE COOKING INTRODUCTION
TO C A LC U L AT E M E AT S H R I NK AG E
STARTING WEIGHT (Weight of Raw Product)
-MINUS: ENDING WEIGHT (Weight of Cooked Product)
EQUALS: AMOUNT OF SHRINKAGE
AMOUNT OF SHRINKAGE (Total Weight Lost in Cooking)
÷ DIVIDED BY: STARTING WEIGHT (Weight of Raw Product)
EQUALS: PERCENT OF SHRINKAGE
EXAMPLE: Raw Beef Roast: 100 lb (45 kg)
Cooked Beef Roast: -95 lb (-43 kg)
= AMOUNT OF SHRINKAGE: 5.0 lb (2 kg)
SHRINKAGE DIVIDED BY
0.05 = 5% 0.05 = 5%
STARTING WEIGHT:
100 5.0 45 2.0
EQUALS: PERCENT OF SHRINKAGE
LOW TE MP ER AT UR E C OO K IN G FACT S
SHRINKAGE CONTROL AND COOKING TIME
THERE ARE TWO MAJOR FACTORS CONTROLLING
M
EAT SHRINKAGE OR COOKING LOSSES.
1. Temperature at which meat is cooked:
The higher the temperature at which meat is cooked
the more shrinkage will result. Over-cooked meat
also results in higher losses. Higher temperatures
and over-cooking draws moisture to the surface and
this moisture evaporates or drips out of the meat.
2. Internal temperature of the meat:
Like over-cooking, as meat is brought to a higher
internal temperature shrinkage is increased. For
these two reasons, it is suggested most cuts of red
meat be cooked at 250°F (121°C) and that all cooking
be based on internal product temperature. The use
of a thermometer is encouraged.
THERE ARE FOUR MAJOR FACTORS INVOLVED IN
DETERMINING COOKING TIMES FOR MEAT:
1. The degree of aging on the meat:
Aged meat will cook faster, shrink more, and has a
much shorter holding life than fresh meat.
2. Internal temperature before cooking:
Meat should be placed in a preheated oven directly
from a refrigerated temperature of 38° to 40°F
(3° to 4°C). Meat cooked from a frozen state will
require approximately one and one-half to two times
the normal cooking time. In addition, freezing
ruptures tissue cells creating additional moisture
loss during the cooking process and will result in
more shrinkage.
3. Desired degree of doneness:
The higher the degree of internal temperature
required, the longer the necessary cooking time.
Cooking times in this guideline are based on the
most popular internal product temperatures.
4. Quantity and quality of product.
PREVENTING BACTERIA GROWTH
The surface of raw meat may become contaminated
in processing, handling by the butcher or chef, or by
other means. Food contamination can also be caused
by unsanitary personal hygiene and work habits,
unclean slicers, knives, and probes, or by faulty
operational procedures. It is important, therefore, that
sanitary procedures be followed at all times during
food preparation and handling. This is your main
protection in guarding against food contamination. For
additional information see the Cleaning and
Maintenance section of this manual.