Food is loved from well done to rare. As opposed to intentionally burnt edges, eating raw is still considered an adventurous act and most mainstream eaters will squirm at the thought of devouring animals that are still moving as you put them inside your mouth. Yet the concern is not really about shallow squeamishness but more about the obvious health risks.
Bacteria, worms, metal poisoning in fish, and overall food poisoning are potential health hazards. Yet the raw bar catering NYC scene has caught on the rest of us, and anyone wanting to get their fix should be well aware of the safety concerns. Otherwise, you might not be able to taste that squirming fish ever again if you are not careful.
While fast foods pose greater threats to our health in a long term kind of way, raw food dangers are most often instantaneous. High risk individuals such as pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses are strongly discouraged to grab the sashimi, but if you are generally healthy, you can go for that tartare for as long as you have taken your precautions. The problem is, even healthy people are making themselves at risk by consuming all those living things in dangerously large amounts when moderation is the key.
The good news is that food can be cooked in two ways. Traditionally, we use heat to prepare our meals, but doing the opposite and subjecting our edible friends into extremely low temperatures will also kill the nasty bacteria. This is why all fish and seafood must be sushi grade if you decide to munch on them uncooked.
Climate and season can also affect your meal. Oysters give people vibriosis when eaten during summertime, which causes a variety of gastrointestinal issues and even septicemia. They are not caused by pollution, and dining on your clammy friends during the colder months are the best way to be safe.
There are seasonal raw bars that ride the wave of how certain mollusks can only be consumed on specific times of the year, but for the omniprescent ones, it is vital to ask the server which menu item is good for you today. Having the staff recommend what you should order will let you know their freshest stock in hand so you can be worry free. There are also many species and variations of clams, oysters, and scallops, and they may differ in taste and texture as they acquire their characteristics according to which ocean they are from.
Signs of life, most especially movement, should be always checked when going for fish and crustaceans. They should also be wading in seawater even when served. Fish eyes should bulge a little and must be clear, not blurred or cloudy.
Avoid chipped, broken, or disfigured shells. Do a tap test, in which a valid clam will readily close if you tap them. See if the meat of the clam is dry, and if it is, throw it away or request a replacement. Never hesitate to tell your server you have been brought bad food when it comes to dining raw.
As a general rule, stick to the restaurant you trust. Opt for the farmed variety with their pedigrees written on the menu. And yes, do your research and keep your eyes on restaurant reviews, recommendations, and news.
Bacteria, worms, metal poisoning in fish, and overall food poisoning are potential health hazards. Yet the raw bar catering NYC scene has caught on the rest of us, and anyone wanting to get their fix should be well aware of the safety concerns. Otherwise, you might not be able to taste that squirming fish ever again if you are not careful.
While fast foods pose greater threats to our health in a long term kind of way, raw food dangers are most often instantaneous. High risk individuals such as pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses are strongly discouraged to grab the sashimi, but if you are generally healthy, you can go for that tartare for as long as you have taken your precautions. The problem is, even healthy people are making themselves at risk by consuming all those living things in dangerously large amounts when moderation is the key.
The good news is that food can be cooked in two ways. Traditionally, we use heat to prepare our meals, but doing the opposite and subjecting our edible friends into extremely low temperatures will also kill the nasty bacteria. This is why all fish and seafood must be sushi grade if you decide to munch on them uncooked.
Climate and season can also affect your meal. Oysters give people vibriosis when eaten during summertime, which causes a variety of gastrointestinal issues and even septicemia. They are not caused by pollution, and dining on your clammy friends during the colder months are the best way to be safe.
There are seasonal raw bars that ride the wave of how certain mollusks can only be consumed on specific times of the year, but for the omniprescent ones, it is vital to ask the server which menu item is good for you today. Having the staff recommend what you should order will let you know their freshest stock in hand so you can be worry free. There are also many species and variations of clams, oysters, and scallops, and they may differ in taste and texture as they acquire their characteristics according to which ocean they are from.
Signs of life, most especially movement, should be always checked when going for fish and crustaceans. They should also be wading in seawater even when served. Fish eyes should bulge a little and must be clear, not blurred or cloudy.
Avoid chipped, broken, or disfigured shells. Do a tap test, in which a valid clam will readily close if you tap them. See if the meat of the clam is dry, and if it is, throw it away or request a replacement. Never hesitate to tell your server you have been brought bad food when it comes to dining raw.
As a general rule, stick to the restaurant you trust. Opt for the farmed variety with their pedigrees written on the menu. And yes, do your research and keep your eyes on restaurant reviews, recommendations, and news.
About the Author:
To learn about raw bar catering NYC diners are welcome to visit our award-winning restaurant now. For oysters and more, go to http://oystersxo.com.
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