Many people do not know if it is really necessary to preheat the oven or if it is enough to simply put the food inside and let it heat up together with the appliance. Although it seems trivial, this step can significantly affect the texture, taste and even the safety of the food being prepared. Such a mistake can also represent a health risk, especially if you do not know how heat affects different types of raw materials and kitchen utensils.
- Preheating the oven improves the quality of the food being prepared.
- Food needs to reach a certain temperature to obtain an optimal result.
- Improper preparation can create health risks due to bacteria.
- Not all dishes require preheating the oven, for example when reheating leftovers.
If you’ve ever wondered if you really have to wait for the oven to heat up before putting dough, meat or vegetables in it, you’re not alone. Although many people consider it a waste of time, experts explain that there is an exact reason why almost every recipe starts with the words “preheat the oven”. The answer does not lie in the appliance itself, but depends on what you cook or what dishes you use. “Preheating means setting the appliance to the desired temperature and waiting until it reaches it,” says chef Laura Klein.
Every kitchen appliance, be it a deep fryer, a toaster or a conventional oven, needs to be preheated to ensure it reaches the right temperature. “It is essential for many foods. Some need to be crispy, while others, such as cakes or bread, need heat to activate the yeast that helps them rise,” revealed the chef.
Avoid the risks of baking in the oven. (illustrative photo)
Source:
iStock
Food safety is another important reason why some recipes require preheating the oven. After all, no one wants to risk food poisoning for themselves, their family or guests. Food must reach a safe internal temperature to prevent bacterial growth. Improper preparation can lead to serious health problems. Preheating ensures that the food reaches the correct temperature quickly. This minimizes the time spent in the range where bacteria multiply rapidly.
If the recipe requires preheating, it is important to give it enough time. This step must not be skipped. However, preheating is not necessary every time you use the oven. “When reheating certain foods, such as pizza or leftovers from dinner, preheating is not necessary. Nevertheless, it is true that food heats up faster if the oven is at a higher temperature,” Klein noted.
How do you know if food is properly heated? According to experts, leftover food should reach a temperature of at least 75 °C. Klein recommends using a thermometer to make sure your food is safe to eat. Newer smart ovens do signal that the desired temperature has been reached, but it is not always 100% accurate.
Remember that the higher the set temperature, the longer the preheating time. If you want to be sure, it is it is best to wait about 20 minutes, especially when preparing meat dishes.
This article comes from the Ringier publishing partner website. The content and data contained in it were taken without editorial intervention.
