Sous vide is making waves across Denmark, offering many exciting recipes to try. However, it’s crucial to prioritize safety when cooking with sous vide to avoid any health risks for you and your loved ones.
What is sous vide?
Sous vide is a method of cooking in vacuum-sealed bags. When food is vacuum-packed, it can be cooked over a long period under consistent heat for up to 72 hours. This makes the meat extra tender and takes your cooking to a whole new level. The juices and flavors are preserved in the meat, ensuring an evenly cooked and delicious result.
However, there are specific precautions you need to be aware of as a consumer when using plastic bags for cooking. It’s important to note that only certain plastic bags are suitable for cooking, while others may pose health risks. It is the consumer’s responsibility to be vigilant about what is cooked with sous vide.
Things to be aware of
There are three key factors to consider when choosing a sous vide bag: temperature, food type, and cooking time. You need to thoroughly check if the sous vide bag is suitable for the temperature you intend to cook the food at, and if it is appropriate for long-term cooking. Additionally, you should check if the bag is suitable for the type of food you are cooking. Whether the food is acidic, fatty, or alkaline plays a significant role in determining which sous vide bag to choose.
Which bags can you use for sous vide?
There are many regulations concerning plastics that come into contact with food. First and foremost, look for the glass and fork symbol. This label indicates that the packaging is suitable for contact with food. Additionally, you should primarily look for sous vide or boilable bags. Regular vacuum bags are not suitable for long-term cooking. Always remember to read the product details to check for limitations regarding time, temperature, and food type. This way, you ensure that you have chosen appropriate bags and can successfully cook with sous vide.
You cannot use the vacuum bags that meat is typically packaged in at your local supermarket. These bags cannot withstand the temperatures of your water bath, and you won’t know what you’re exposing yourself to.