RT Topic - Cub Scouts and Cooking

[qwazse]

We have one ASM who won't let the boys do these--he claims that ziplock corp doesn't approve, and he doesn't either....

For not approving, they sure have a lot of recipes to encourage the practice https://ziploc.com/en/search?q=boiling.

 

I think you have an EDGE method victim here. (Explaining without reference.) The only cure is a good dose of "Show me where it's written."

[blw2]

oh that probably comes form the whole plastic BPA thing.... or the big push about cooking with plastic wrap in the microwave that hit a few years back....

Thing is, I doubt if "show me where it is written" would work, because I wouldn't be surprised a bit if a person could come up with countless written references to uphold his position..... no matter which position he holds.

[qwazse]

oh that probably comes form the whole plastic BPA thing.... or the big push about cooking with plastic wrap in the microwave that hit a few years back....

Thing is, I doubt if "show me where it is written" would work, because I wouldn't be surprised a bit if a person could come up with countless written references to uphold his position..... no matter which position he holds.

@@blw2, in the general case, that may be true. But Perd's ASM was referencing the manufacturer specifically for his justification. So, he won't have to cast to wide of a net to address a challenge to his assertion. A good start: look for warning labels on the box! Then the corporate website -- where, far from alerting, we are being encouraged to "boil, baby, boil."

 

From there, the CDC and FDA are great resources for this sort of thing. (Brace yourself at the CDC website, there's bound to be a warning about something you've already eaten today!)

 

The point is ... tell your source precisely. A student may question it (e.g., Scouting's persistence regarding whisky and wound care), but at least there's something to hang a hat on.

Edited September 8, 2016 by qwazse

[meyerc13]

The caution against boiling eggs in a Ziploc has nothing to do with bpa, Ziplocs are both dioxin and bpa free.  The unconfirmed information I've seen claims that standard Ziploc bags start to melt at 195 degrees Fahrenheit, which can result in microscopic plastic particles ending up in the eggs.  I've found nothing on the Ziploc site to confirm this, but likewise I wasn't able to find any recipes on the site that involve boiling the bag (the recipes @@qwazse linked above use the bag before or after the boiling step, not during the boiling process).

 

I was able to find one reference on the Ziploc site that talks about an omelette in a bag, but it involves using a Zip 'n Steam bag, which presumably has been engineered to withstand the higher temperatures involved with boiling and steaming:  https://ziploc.com/en/inspiration/home-and-decor/tips-and-tricks/time-saving-tips-master-the-morning-rush

 

I think that the safe route is to stick to the Zip 'n Steam bags if you are going to try this, since that's the bag the manufacturer recommends for this task.

[perdidochas]

For not approving, they sure have a lot of recipes to encourage the practice https://ziploc.com/en/search?q=boiling.

 

I think you have an EDGE method victim here. (Explaining without reference.) The only cure is a good dose of "Show me where it's written."

 

I, personally, like boil in bag eggs. I think it's a great idea for campouts (don't think I'd do it at home every day, but once a month or so is fine).  Just talking about one of our ASMs, who I think, just didn't like the idea, and then found things to prove his dislike. 

[perdidochas]

For not approving, they sure have a lot of recipes to encourage the practice https://ziploc.com/en/search?q=boiling.

 

I think you have an EDGE method victim here. (Explaining without reference.) The only cure is a good dose of "Show me where it's written."

 

None of those involve boiling in the bag. They are just recipes, and they recommend storing them in ziplocks. 

[blw2]

ok, how about the impact that this practice has on "Leave No Trace"

 

That is the other argument I hear against doing things like this..... "It's filling up the landfill!"

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm just playing devil's advocate here..... I'm not necessarily opposed to it..... I don't find them particularly appetizing & I'd rather have a properly fried egg, browned in butter any day, but that's just me.

[qwazse]

None of those involve boiling in the bag. They are just recipes, and they recommend storing them in ziplocks. 

I stand corrected!

 

So, in deference to tomorrow's rekindled college football rivalry, here's a concise blurb from Penn State's extension service

http://extension.psu.edu/food/preservation/faq/ziplock-bag-omelettes

 

Basically, nobody actually found it to be harmful, but it sounds like a dumb idea.

 

The company's nuanced statement (https://ziploc.com/en/sustainability-and-safety, emphasis mine):

When label directions are followed, Ziploc^® brand products can be used with confidence. All Ziploc^® brand Containers and microwavable Ziploc^® brand Bags meet the safety requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for temperatures associated with defrosting and reheating food in microwave ovens, as well as room, refrigerator and freezer temperatures.

 

And a recent statement from rep that hews the company line http://community.anovaculinary.com/discussion/459/plastic-safety

So, it sounds like nobody has actually stuffed rats with zip-omelettes to confirm how bad an idea it may or may not be.

 

ok, how about the impact that this practice has on "Leave No Trace"

 

That is the other argument I hear against doing things like this..... "It's filling up the landfill!"

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm just playing devil's advocate here..... I'm not necessarily opposed to it..... I don't find them particularly appetizing & I'd rather have a properly fried egg, browned in butter any day, but that's just me.

 

LNT is the main reason I would not go for gimmicky cooking tricks. If you have to carry out your zippy's, why bother?

 

But @@blw2, going through the trouble of finding these details, I learned that Ziploc does offer a recycling program. Turn them in with your shopping bags. You do turn in your shopping bags, right?

[Stosh]

What's wrong with boiling them in their shells?  Seems like a whole lot easier than ziplocks.