The phenomenon of white or slightly gray or pink foam when boiling meat or stewing bones is a very common phenomenon in the cooking process. Many people believe that this layer of foam contains dirt and needs to be removed. Many people think that this layer of foam is due to the food containing toxins. However, according to experts, these are wrong views.
In fact, they are mostly protein and a small amount of fat from meat or bones. Skimming off this scum can help make the broth clearer and more beautiful, but skimming it too often can cause a small amount of nutrients to be lost. Furthermore, this is not a sign that the food contains toxins.
What do experts say about the phenomenon of foam rising when boiling meat or stewing bones?
According to Gastón Torrescano Urrutia, member of the Center for Food Research and Development (Mexico) , 70-75% of the meat of animals is water. This water is mainly stored in protein muscle fibers called sarcoplasmic.
When we boil meat, due to the heat, the water contained in the muscle fibers is released along with other components, including protein and fat. The protein will coagulate and form tiny particles, while the fat will melt and disperse. This process creates the air bubbles that we often see floating on the surface of the water.
People often think that this foam can affect health. However, according to the food research expert, if the quality of the food is fresh, this foam will not cause any health problems.
Expert Gastón Torrescano Urrutia believes that when boiling meat, some nutrients (mainly protein) will dissolve into the foam that floats to the surface of the water. The amount of these nutrients is not too much, so removing them does not greatly affect the nutritional value of the dish. However, skimming off the foam can help the broth become clearer and more beautiful.
In an interview with Southern Living, Associate Professor Mark Traynor of Auburn University (USA) said that the foam that rises to the surface of the water when boiling meat is completely harmless. However, this foam can make the dish less appealing. In addition, sometimes, this foam can include impurities or small pieces of bone, which will affect the flavor of the dish.
Not only boiling meat, boiling some other protein-rich foods such as beans also causes bubbles to appear (Photo: Internet)
In an interview with Vietnamnet, Associate Professor Nguyen Duy Thinh, former lecturer at the Institute of Food Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, said that pork today is basically no longer a concern for lean meat additives like before. However, meat can still contain growth enhancers in animal feed. However, when boiled or boiled, these substances do not form bubbles or evaporate. Therefore, people should not worry or think that the more cloudy the meat or boiled bones are, the more toxic they are.
The Associate Professor of Food Technology also said that people can remove the first layer of foam, but the layer of foam that appears later does not need to be removed.
How to choose delicious and safe meat
Choose fresh, delicious meat to ensure food hygiene and safety (Photo: Internet)
Choosing fresh, safe meat is the most important thing to ensure health. To choose fresh, safe meat, you should note the following characteristics:
- Color: Fresh meat usually has a natural and even color. Fresh beef is bright red, pork is light pink and chicken is pinkish white. Avoid choosing meat with unusual colors or green or brown spots.
- Elasticity: Use your finger to gently press on the surface of the meat. Fresh meat will quickly return to its original shape after being pressed.
- Smell: Fresh meat should not have a foul or unpleasant smell. Smell it and avoid choosing meat with a strange smell.
- Moisture: Fresh meat usually has natural moisture, not dry or has water remaining on the surface.
- Production date: Check the packaging and production date on the label. Choose meat that is carefully packaged and within the expiration date.
- Origin: Prioritize meat with clear origin, from reliable farms and with food safety certification.
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