How To Determine The Quality Of Raw Meat

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

5 ways to determine the quality of raw meat when buying

A city dweller cannot always determine the quality of raw meat, therefore, in markets and in stores, he is often deceived, passing off a second-rate product for fresh meat. However, there are several ways to define a superior product.

Set it on fire

When going to the market for meat, take a lighter or a box of matches with you. Ask the seller to cut a small piece and set it on fire.

If after that you feel an aroma that will mentally take you to the country house, where a fragrant barbecue languishes on the grill, then the product is fresh and of high quality. An unpleasant smell when burning is a sign of stale food.

Attach a napkin

Fresh meat, depending on the type, has a pleasant pink or reddish color. As it "stays", it begins to turn gray and fade, so sellers often tint it with food dyes to give it a presentation.

To expose the deception, apply a white paper towel to the surface. If bright colored traces remain on it, then you should refuse to buy from this counter.

Pierce with a fork

When going to the market or to the store for meat, take a fork with you. Press with its convex side on the piece you like. If the product is fresh, then its fibers should be elastic, which means that the dent should quickly disappear. A “hole” will remain on a stale product.

If the first test passes, proceed with the test for stiffness and the presence of bones inside. Try to pierce a piece. If the plug comes in easily, everything is fine. If not, then the meat is probably old and with a lot of tendons - it just won't chew.

Rate the smell

Smell is the best indicator of meat quality. Fresh product and smells pleasant: veal - milk, pork has a hint of spice, beef has a neutral meat flavor. In general, the smell of freshness is difficult to describe in words. It should be neutral, without sour, sweet and other impurities.

But when choosing a product, you cannot rely only on the sense of smell. Today sellers have learned to disguise even outright rotten stuff with the help of all kinds of drugs.

Check for stickiness

As it lays down, mucus appears on the surface of the meat. Therefore, it is important to test the product for stickiness. Just attach a napkin to the selected piece.

If it falls behind easily, there are no complaints about freshness. If the paper is stuck and comes off in pieces, it means that the product has been on the counter for a long time and has managed to deteriorate.