IT IS still about National Nutrition Month (NNM) this week. I will write about it till nutrition fills you up to your ears.
The family discussed nutrition this week. We heard news about food poisoning at former first lady Imelda Marcos’ birthday party last July 3.
Various news sources reported the contamination could have come from the packed meals consisting of rice and adobo with whole boiled eggs. Over 200 people out the 2,500 guests were affected.
“Some people still seem to think their hands are clean,” Uncle Gustave said, using his favorite expression.
“Are you referring to The Name That Must Not Be Mentioned?” asked Peetong, the handsome husband of my cousin Dona.
“No, I’m not being political here. I’m being politically correct, whatever that means,” Uncle Gustave said.
“What he means is ‘some people know little about food handling and cooking eggs,’ and think they don’t have to wash their hands after handling raw food,” my Aunt Tita Blitte clarified.
Peetong, who is an aced crossword puzzle fan and trivia nut, then said that food poisoning can often come from mishandling eggs.
First off, eggs are excellent sources of selenium, vitamins A, B2, B5, B6, B12, phosphorus D, E and K. True, it is high in cholesterol but it does not affect blood cholesterol, according to healthline.com and the US FDA, Peetong said.
BUYING. Never buy damaged eggs, no matter how tiny. Bacteria could enter through the crack. It is best to store eggs in the refrigerator. If you have none, consume within a week.
COOKING. To avoid salmonella poisoning, eggs have to be cooked against popular taste. It is sad but it is also good prevention. Most people like their scrambled eggs soft or creamy or even runny, but it has to be done until the eggs are firm.
Peetong said even eggs on easy (my tears are falling fast and hard) must be done till it is dead. Dona made a face because she likes eggs on easy. Follow the hot-hot, cold-cold rule, so keep hot egg dishes hot and cold egg dishes cold. And never leave eggs or egg dishes out of the cold box over two hours.
“Eat eggs or egg dishes immediately,” Peetong said. “OK, guys, now that I have your attention, let’s march to the breakfast table. Let us celebrate the joy of the morning with a correctly fried sunny-side-up.”
We all replied, “Affirmative, sir!”