The EssentiaList

Chickens at feed

By Cat, May 30.2015 (Photo, right, by Keith Blaylock)

This must be my month to pick on chicken. See also: Would you eat this chicken?

Many people wash or at least rinse raw chicken before preparing it, thinking they are making it safer to consume. However this practice is not only messy, but also dangerous. The force of the water from the faucet actually causes bacteria, etc. on the surface of the chicken to get sprayed onto your counter, your clothing and anything else within range.

Instead, the heat of cooking will destroy any bacteria on the chicken’s surface and also embedded in the meat. Read on for informative video, and information on brining poultry. (more…)

Brown Sugar Crystals

By Catherine Haug, May 18, 2015 (Photo, right, from Wikimedia Commons)

Over the years since the 1960s, there has been much controversy over the healthfulness of sugar and other sweeteners. This all came to a head in the late 60s when saccharin was deemed unhealthful, despite no clear evidence to ban its consumption. (1)

Read on for more about natural and artificial sweeteners, and a discussion of which are the better options. (more…)