Final answer:
The first step in the cooling procedure for ribs is to place them on a table to rest for a maximum of 15 minutes. Smoking, a traditional method of preserving meat, enhances flavor and storage life, which was particularly valuable in protein-scarce diets in the past. The correct option is A. Placed on table for resting for a maximum of 15 minutes
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in the cooling procedure for ribs that have been removed from the oven is A. Placed on table for resting for a maximum of 15 minutes. Resting allows the meat to redistribute its juices, which is an important step for maintaining flavor and texture. However, it is essential to ensure that the meat is then cooled properly to prevent bacterial growth.
Historically, methods such as salting, pickling, and drying were used to preserve meat, but smoking meat has become a preferred method, particularly in the US South. Smoking meat in a pit or other containers not only enhances flavor and tenderness, particularly of less desirable cuts, but also extends the storage life of the protein.
This was highly beneficial since protein was a scarce component in the diets of poorer populations who often consumed an excess of carbohydrates and faced the challenge of meat spoilage.
The correct option is A. Placed on table for resting for a maximum of 15 minutes