NANP Board Practice Exam

When consuming meat, why is it important to avoid cooking at high temperatures without marinating first?

1. It improves the taste of the meat

2. High temperatures and lack of marination increase free radical formation

3. It reduces the fat content in the meat

4. It helps the meat to cook faster

The correct answer is: It improves the taste of the meat

The significance of marinating meat before cooking at high temperatures relates primarily to health and safety concerns, particularly regarding free radical formation. High cooking temperatures, such as those used in grilling or frying, can lead to the production of harmful compounds known as heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These compounds are generated when amino acids, sugars, and creatine in meat react under high heat conditions. Marinating meat can help to reduce the formation of these harmful substances, as the marinating process often incorporates ingredients like acids (vinegar, citrus) or antioxidants (herbs and spices) that can protect against high-temperature cooking damage. Improving the taste of the meat is certainly a beneficial side effect of marinating, but the primary concern with high-heat cooking without marination revolves around health risks associated with free radical formation. Thus, understanding the role of marination is essential not only for flavor enhancement but also for promoting safer cooking practices.