Meat and fish

Question 1

What does it mean to tenderise meat? Give examples

Answer 1

make meat more tender and easier to chew by breaking down the connective tissue and muscle fibres
e.g. pounding, marinating, slow cooking

Question 2

What is the process of browning meat called?

Answer 2

Maillard reaction

Question 3

Explain how to check that meat products are cooked correctly, including key temperatures.

Answer 3

use a food thermometer to reach a core temperature of 75°C (or higher) in the thickest part
make sure it does not touch bone or fat
ensure thermometer is clean and sterilized before and after use

Question 4

Why can steak be served rare but burgers made from mince should be cooked thoroughly?

Answer 4

Steak can be served rare because bacteria primarily resides on the surface, which is easily killed by searing, while burgers made from mince should be cooked thoroughly because the bacteria from the surface is mixed throughout the meat during the grinding process

Question 5

How should meat be stored safely?

Answer 5

always refrigerate it below 5°C, preferably on the bottom shelf, in a sealed container to prevent cross-contamination and drips, and ensure it’s stored separately from other foods.

Question 6

What are the different types of meat cut?

Answer 6

boneless cuts
boned and rolled meat
cubes
lean mince
thin strips

Question 7

What do consumers look for in meat cuts?

Answer 7

can be used in different ways
cut into convenient portion sizes
convenient to prepare
simple to store
easy and quick to cook
low in fat

Question 8

What are the different types of fish?

Answer 8

oily fish
white fish
shellfish

Question 9

Characteristics of oily fish

Answer 9

found in fresh and salt water
darker in colour
high levels of fat
examples: salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines

Question 10

Characteristics of white fish

Answer 10

white or light coloured flesh
leaner - less fat than oily fish
flat or round
examples: cod, haddock, halibut, bass

Question 11

characteristics of shellfish

Answer 11

molluscs - small soft bodied sea animals which live inside a soft shell
crustaceans - soft bodied, jointed animals which are covered by a hard protective shell

Question 12

List which nutrients are found in fish

Answer 12

protein
omega-3 fatty acids
vitamin D, vitamin B12 etc
zinc, iron etc

Question 13

Why is it recommended to eat a portion of oily fish a week?

Answer 13

they are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, brain function, and may reduce the risk of certain diseases