What is 72 degrees in cooking terms?

72 degrees Celsius (161.6 degrees Fahrenheit) is a critical temperature in cooking, particularly when dealing with food safety.

Here's why:

* Minimum safe temperature for poultry and pork: This temperature ensures that harmful bacteria, like Salmonella, are killed.

* Pasteurization temperature: This temperature is used for pasteurizing milk and other liquids, killing harmful microbes.

* "Danger zone" for bacterial growth: The range of 40°F to 140°F (4°C to 60°C) is the "danger zone" where bacteria multiply rapidly. Maintaining a temperature of 72°C keeps food outside this range.

It's important to note that while 72°C is a safe temperature for many foods, some may require different temperatures for optimal cooking. It's always best to consult a reliable recipe or food safety guide for specific instructions.