What are some common cooking ingredients that are not typically consumed raw?

 Many cooking ingredients are not typically consumed raw due to their taste, texture, or potential health risks. Some common examples include:

1. Flour: You might think flour is harmless, but raw flour can actually contain some not-so-friendly bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. That's why it's important to bake or cook with flour before eating it.

2. Eggs: Raw eggs can be risky because they sometimes harbor Salmonella bacteria. That's why recipes usually call for cooking them—whether it's frying, scrambling, or baking—to kill off any harmful germs and make them safe to eat.

3. Meat: Eating raw meat is a bit of a no-no because it can carry all sorts of bacteria and parasites that could make you sick. Cooking meat thoroughly kills off those nasties and makes it safe to eat. So, whether it's beef, chicken, pork, or fish, it's best to cook it before chowing down.

4. Potatoes: Raw potatoes aren't the best idea because they contain certain compounds that can be harmful in large amounts. Cooking them—whether it's boiling, baking, or frying—breaks down those compounds and makes them safe and delicious to eat.

5. Beans and legumes: Raw beans and legumes might seem innocent enough, but they contain things like lectins and other compounds that can mess with your stomach if they're not properly cooked. So, it's important to soak and cook them thoroughly to avoid any tummy troubles.

6. Rice: Believe it or not, raw rice can sometimes harbor a bacterium called Bacillus cereus, which can cause food poisoning if it's not cooked and stored properly. Cooking rice properly not only kills off any bacteria but also makes it nice and fluffy for eating.

7. Lentils: Just like beans, lentils have those pesky lectins and other compounds that can cause digestive issues if they're not cooked properly. Soaking and cooking them thoroughly is the way to go to avoid any potential tummy troubles.

8. Cassava: Raw cassava contains something called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when eaten raw. Yikes! That's why it's crucial to cook cassava thoroughly to make it safe to eat.

So, whether it's flour, eggs, meat, potatoes, beans, rice, lentils, or cassava, cooking these ingredients not only makes them safe to eat but also brings out their delicious flavors.