Testing for Doneness

When establishing your cooking times, it will be necessary to check for doneness. The most reliable method is to use a clean, accurate meat thermometer.

Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat, but not touching fat, gristle, or bone. When checking roasts, the tip of the meat thermometer should be 3/4" (19 mm) past the center of the roast. For whole chicken, duck, or turkey, the tip of the meat thermometer should be inserted into the thick inner thigh muscle.

Meat Product

Meat Temperature

Beef

140°F (60°C) Rare Juices Red

160°F (71°C) Medium Juices Pink

170°F (77°C) Well Juices Pink

Pork

170°F (77°C) - Juices Clear

Ham (labeled "Ready to Eat" or "Fully Cooked"

140°F (60°C) (For optimum flavor, but may be served below 140°F)

Ham (labeled "Cook Before Eating")

160°F (71°C)

Poultry

185°F - 190°F (85°C - 88*C) (Juices should

be clear or hip joint loose when drumstick is

moved.)

Lamb

160°F (71°C) Rare

170°F (77°C) Medium

180°F (82°C) Well

Fish

140°F - 150°F (60°C - 66°C)