How not to get killed by your food

Two images of the propane stove in campgrounds - Photos: Still Gravity.
Our propane stove in campgrounds - License our images here.

We share the planet with little nasty things called bacteria. And these bacteria have a thing for spoiling and poisoning our food. So, we need to learn to live with them, because as Stewart Brand said,

If you don't like bacteria, you're on the wrong planet.       


How to keep them at bay while camping? 

Easy! We need to keep our food outside of the "Temperature Danger Zone" (40° - 140°F or 4° - 60°C). Inside this range of temperatures bacteria doubles its numbers in as little as 20 minutes, but under 40°F won't reproduce.

Cooked foods are a risk if left at room temperature in warm climates. Always throw away any leftover exposed for over two hours - make this one hour for BBQ leftovers if the temperature is over 90°F. 

For pre-cooked food: Reheat over 165°F for at least 15 seconds and serve immediately. We can destroy bacterial toxins at this temperature.

All this is especially important for campers. More info in the CDC.

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