To wash or not to wash? What's the final word on meat before cooking?

If you've ever found yourself in the kitchen with a piece of meat in your hands, then you've certainly wondered:

"Should I wash it before cooking or not?"

It's one of the most common questions - and the truth is that for years we've heard different opinions from mothers, grandmothers, and friends.

Time to clarify what's really true 👇

Should we wash meat before cooking?

The short answer is:
No, you don't need to wash meat before cooking it. And not only is it unnecessary, but in many cases, it's not a good idea either.

Why is washing meat not recommended?

The main reason has to do with hygiene and not with the "dirtiness" of the meat.

When you wash raw meat under the tap:

• Water can spread bacteria to the sink and surrounding surfaces
  
• Microscopic droplets reach countertops, utensils, or other foods
  
• It creates a greater risk of cross-contamination in the kitchen

How then is meat cleaned?

Here's the important part:
Proper cooking is what makes meat safe.

Heat:

• neutralizes bacteria
  
• makes food safe for consumption

That's why what you should be concerned about is not washing, but:

• proper cooking
  
• proper temperature
  
• proper cooking time

Is there anything I need to do before cooking?

Yes - and it's very simple:
👉 Pat the meat dry with paper towels.

This helps:

• to remove excess moisture
  
• to achieve better cooking
  
• to create a nicer crust (especially on steaks)

What about chicken specifically?

This is where the most confusion arises.

Many believe that chicken "must" be washed.
👉 But exactly the same applies:

We do not wash it.

Chicken, in fact, is one of the foods that:

• have a higher risk of bacterial spread
  
• easily "splatter" droplets when they come into contact with water

So washing does more harm than good.

When can someone wash meat?

There are a few exceptions, but they are not about "cleanliness."

For example:

• when you want to remove small bones
  
• in very specific traditional recipes

Even then, however:
👉 great care is needed and immediate cleaning of the kitchen afterwards.

5 basic kitchen hygiene rules

Instead of washing meat, keep these in mind:

✔ Wash your hands thoroughly before and after
✔ Clean surfaces and utensils after contact with raw meat
✔ Do not use the same knife for everything
✔ Keep raw meat away from other foods
✔ Cook meat properly (do not leave it undercooked)

The secret to delicious & safe meat at home

At the end of the day, a good result doesn't come from washing.

It comes from:

• proper meat selection
  
• proper preparation
  
• proper cooking

And of course… from the love for homemade food ❤️