3 ms·
This is sort of a neat microcosm of the story of the interaction of science and engineering over time. The original meat resting rules were essentially enginee
by jerf 1y ago
This is sort of a neat microcosm of the story of the interaction of science and engineering over time.
The original meat resting rules were essentially engineering, when it is forced to run significantly in advance of science, in this case due to lack of sufficiently accurate measurement tools (instant-read themometers that can be left in the meat). They were discovered ad-hoc. They worked. But the theories behind them turned out to be incorrect.
Thermometers improved, the ability to control the cooking environment improved, and experiments could be run that contradicted the old theories about why it worked, and led to an improved methodology that could be used with more equipment.
This in turns leads to engineering better meals, even if only from the point of view of doing somewhat less work to the same result.
And the wheel will keep turning.
- tptacek 1y agoInteresting take, true-ish I think? But Meathead had this right, as I recall from first principles (his writing partner at the time was a physicist), I think without the measurement apparatus.
- rsyring 1y agoYep, way back in 2013: https://amazingribs.com/more-technique-and-science/more-cooking-science/science-of-resting-meat/ https://amazingribs.com/more-technique-and-science/more-cook...
- brudgers 1y agomicrocosm of the story of the interaction of science and engineering over time. Science requires measurement. Engineering requires cost benefit analysis. Rules for resting meat are more like religion than science or engineering…resting meat is a morality play of socially acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Eating without resting is labeled crass because it is the sort of thing a starving peasant might do. That’s how the results can be contrary to tradition.
- b_e_n_t_o_n 1y agoI prefer the term "impatient peasant".
- brudgers 1y agoSeeing as patience is a virtue, did you intentionally make my point?
- b_e_n_t_o_n 1y agoI just want to be clear that I'm not starving.
- b_e_n_t_o_n 1y agoI love this.