The UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County released guidance on Apr. 30 about using slow cookers safely, emphasizing key steps to ensure food safety when preparing meals with these devices.
The advice aims to help home cooks avoid common risks associated with improper use of slow cookers, such as undercooked food or bacterial growth. According to the statement, “Slow cookers are safe devices when used correctly.” The document explains that slow cookers work by maintaining low temperatures for extended periods, allowing heat and steam to destroy bacteria.
Among the main recommendations are adding enough liquid for steam generation, thawing ingredients before cooking, preheating the cooker and liquids, starting on high heat for at least one hour when cooking meat or poultry, and keeping the lid closed during cooking. The statement also notes that dried beans should be soaked and boiled before being added to a slow cooker because their natural toxins require higher temperatures than most slow cookers provide. Additional tips include not cooling or reheating food in a slow cooker and using a thermometer to check that food has reached safe temperatures.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources secures funding through public contributions to support its programs according to the official website. The organization promotes sustainable practices aimed at strengthening resilient ecosystems and economic vitality according to the official website. It utilizes nine research and extension centers as laboratories representing California’s diverse ecosystems according to the official website.
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources is recognized for providing trusted services that connect research with community needs according to the official website. It operates as part of the University of California system while managing Cooperative Extension services according to the official website. Each year it conducts more than 33,800 educational events with over 18,400 volunteers participating in its programs according to the official website.
For further information on canning or other preservation methods, individuals are encouraged by UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County to visit resources like nchfp.uga.edu or contact local Cooperative Extension offices.
