Cooking pork to perfection may be tricky and possibly a little intimidating for some. But we’re here to tell you that with the right guidelines, you can easily cook pork and it will turn out as tender and juicy as you’re hoping! It’s important to properly cook pork, not only for safe consumption, but also for optimal flavor.
The importance of following the recommended pork cooking temperature
Following the recommended cooking temperature is crucial for both safety and flavor. To avoid the risk of foodborne illness, it’s important to cook pork thoroughly. The recommended internal temperature for pork is 145℉. This temperature kills any harmful bacteria, and the pork will be perfectly juicy and tender. You can use a digital cooking thermometer to make sure the pork reaches the correct temperature. Undercooked pork is not only unsafe to eat, it is also tough and chewy, which is less than ideal!
Temperature guidelines for different pork cuts
While fresh cuts of pork should be cooked to 145℉, ground pork actually needs to reach 160℉. This is because when the meat is ground, more of it is exposed to the harmful bacteria mentioned before. The bacteria may have been present on the surface of the meat, or it could be introduced during the grinding process. Either way, it is just as important to kill off that bacteria before consuming the meat.
Pre-cooked ham can be reheated to 140℉, but it can also be enjoyed cold since it has already been cooked. Fresh ham should be cooked to 145℉ like other cuts of fresh pork.
Here at Pederson’s, we want you to get great results every time you cook pork-especially if it’s one of our products! If you follow the cooking temperature guidelines, you’re sure to cook pork that is both safe to eat and deliciously tender!
