SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/scout-food-thermometer-not-color

How should a camp cook tell if meat is safely cooked?

Use a food thermometer. Color isn't reliable.

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  1. Use a food thermometer ✔
  2. Check that it's brown inside
  3. Use cooking time alone

Why: Color and texture don't prove meat is safe, and it's hard to see colors in a dark campsite. A food thermometer checks the real temperature.

Huh, didn't know that: Heat hot dogs until steaming hot, and reheat leftovers to 165 degrees F.

The dad joke
Why did the thermometer get a promotion? It had lots of degrees.
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References

Answer: Use a food thermometer. Color and texture don't prove meat is safe, and it's hard to see colors in a dark campsite. A food thermometer checks the real temperature.

  1. Cooking merit badge pamphlet filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/Pamphlets/Cooking.pdf
    Always use a food thermometer to check for doneness. Color is not a reliable indicator of doneness
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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