A Killer Spice
Throwing some burgers on the grill this weekend? Keep them microbe-free by adding some chopped cilantro to your ground round.
The best way to protect your family from food-borne illness is to cook your meats to an appropriate temperature. However, fresh cilantro appears to have antibacterial properties that may help ward off Salmonella, a common cause of food poisoning. If your kids aren't fans of cilantro, adding a dash of cinnamon or oil of oregano will also do the trick.
Eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses by investing in a simple meat thermometer. Using one lets you know when you've cooked meats to the appropriate internal temperature. Burgers made from ground beef should be cooked to at least 160°F. Ground turkey or chicken mixtures should be cooked to 165°F. Chicken or turkey breasts also should be cooked to 165°F.
