Some common kitchen habits may be doing more harm than good, especially when it comes to safety and efficiency.
Professional kitchens follow strict standards for a reason. Food & Wine, a culinary publication, recently highlighted several everyday mistakes that chefs say home cooks should avoid.
From food prep to cleanup, here are four habits to leave behind and what to do instead.
Cross-contamination is a major concern in any kitchen.
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Using the same cutting board for raw meat and vegetables can spread bacteria and increase the risk of foodborne illness.
Food can become contaminated at any stage of preparation, according to the Mayo Clinic, which warns that unclean kitchen tools and surfaces can transfer harmful germs.
“Cross-contamination can happen with more than just meat,” New York-based health expert Christine Lusita previously told Fox News Digital.
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Experts recommend using separate cutting boards for raw proteins and produce, and thoroughly washing surfaces with hot, soapy water between uses.
A dull knife might seem safer, but it can actually increase the risk of injury.
Blades that are not sharp require more force to cut through food, making them more likely to slip and cause accidents, Food & Wine reported.
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Experts say regularly sharpening knives and maintaining the blade can help reduce the risk of cuts and improve overall cooking efficiency.
Many home kitchens go through paper towels quickly, but they are not always the most efficient option.
Professional kitchens typically rely on reusable cloth towels to clean surfaces, the publication noted.
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Cleaning as you go is also key to preventing the spread of bacteria.
Lusita added that using the same cloth across multiple areas can also pose a risk.
“Don’t use the same [cleaning] cloths from counters to food-prepped areas,” she said.
Jumping into cooking without prepping ingredients can lead to mistakes and unnecessary stress.
Professional kitchens rely on a process known as “mise en place,” where everything is chopped, measured and ready before cooking begins, the publication said.
Starting a recipe without preparing ingredients can result in missed steps, uneven cooking or burned food as attention shifts between tasks.
Taking a few extra minutes to prep ahead allows cooks to stay focused once the heat is on and helps ensure a smoother, more efficient process.
Christine Rousselle contributed reporting.
