The basics of kitchen etiquette

Spending time in the kitchen can be tasking. Because kitchens are very busy areas that easily become untidy and unhygienic, spending time there tends to become unpleasant and tiring. Here are tips to ensuring that your stay in the kitchen is enjoyable.

Hygiene: Proper hygiene is a non-negotiable kitchen etiquette. Ensure you wash your hands before you begin cooking. Also ensure that your cooking areas are kept clean. Dishes, pots and pans should be washed as soon as you are done using them. Do not touch the food with your bare hands. If you want to taste something, use a clean spoon or fork.

Safety: Safety in the kitchen cannot be toyed with. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the heat, especially when frying or grilling. To avoid domestic accident, do not leave knives or other sharp objects inside soapy water with other utensils.

Dressing: Roll up your long sleeves or wear short ones. No loose outfit should be worn in the kitchen, to avoid situations where the tip of the cloth comes in contact with flame and catches fire. Also, for the ladies, you have to pull your hair back or ensure it is covered when entering the kitchen. This is to prevent hair from getting into the food.

Animals: It should go without saying that to avoid contamination and food poisoning, pets shouldn’t be allowed into the kitchen.

Disposal: Don’t leave empty wrappers or other trash lying around in the kitchen; all dirt should go into the bin. Also, sinks are not waste disposal system, ensure you scrape plates, pots etc into the bin before washing. This is to avoid clogging or blocking of the drainage system.