Yes, white pork is cooked.
According to the provided information, the color of pork changes as it cooks. When pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees, it becomes a pale, white-gray color. This indicates that the pork is thoroughly cooked. In contrast, pork cooked to 145 degrees remains pink.
Understanding Pork Doneness by Color
Here's a breakdown of how color relates to the doneness of pork:
- White-gray: Pork that is pale and white-gray is cooked to at least 160 degrees.
- Pink: Pork that is pink, but not "bloody" like rare beef, is cooked to around 145 degrees.
Importance of Internal Temperature
While color is a useful visual guide, it's essential to use a food thermometer to ensure pork is cooked safely.
- The safe cooking temperature for pork is generally considered to be 145 degrees, followed by a 3-minute rest. This is according to recent USDA guidelines.
- However, some recipes call for higher internal temperatures like 160 degrees which will result in the meat being a pale white-gray color.
Summary Table of Pork Color & Cooking Temperature
| Color | Internal Temperature | Doneness |
|---|---|---|
| White-gray | 160 degrees | Well-done |
| Pink | 145 degrees | Medium-rare |
Therefore, if you observe that pork is white, it means it is cooked.
