Which doneness level is described by a cool red center?

Which doneness level is described by a cool red center?

• A. Rare
• B. Medium Rare
• C. Medium
• D. Medium-well

Answer: (A)

Doneness is judged by internal temperature and the color of the inside. A cool red center means the meat is barely heated, still red and cool in the middle, which is the hallmark of rare. The outer surface will be seared and browned, but the center stays undercooked. The usual internal temperature for this level is about 120–125°F (49–52°C). By contrast, a warm red center describes medium-rare, a pink center describes medium, and a mostly brown center with little pink describes medium-well. So a cool red center best describes rare.

Doneness is judged by internal temperature and the color of the inside. A cool red center means the meat is barely heated, still red and cool in the middle, which is the hallmark of rare. The outer surface will be seared and browned, but the center stays undercooked. The usual internal temperature for this level is about 120–125°F (49–52°C). By contrast, a warm red center describes medium-rare, a pink center describes medium, and a mostly brown center with little pink describes medium-well. So a cool red center best describes rare.