What Should I Look For When Buying Meat?

Whether you’re buying a cut of meat from a butcher shop or from an online retailer, there are a few things you should look for. These include butchery, appearance, and smell.

Butchery

A butcher is a meat expert who has the knowledge to tell you which cuts are best for your dish, which meat is freshest in the store, how to cook it and even how to receive discounts on bulk purchases. Butchers often work in a slaughterhouse, which is a place where animals are killed and turned into carcasses. They remove the head, feet, skin and internal organs before cutting them up for sale. They must follow food safety standards and maintain clean equipment, hand washing and sanitized work areas. They also must keep carcasses cold and avoid foul odors or contamination.

Appearance

The appearance of meat and poultry can be an important indicator of its quality. This is especially true when it comes to freshness and the degree of processing used on a given product. Aside from the obvious color, you need to pay attention to the texture and firmness of the product. You should also consider how it has been packaged. You should also check for holes, tears and any excess liquid. Meats that are bright red or purple are typically at their best, but this doesn’t mean they’re not safe to eat. It’s also worth noting that the color of meat varies from species to species and is often determined by the age of the animal. In addition, the color of meat is influenced by the animal’s diet and how much exercise they receive. The best bet is to get a cut from an older, leaner animal with less marbling or fat. This will give you a more tender, juicy meat for a better price.

Smell

Smelling is an important part of ensuring you are buying quality meat. Regardless of the type of meat you are buying, it is always best to smell it before you cook or consume it. A light bloody or metallic scent is usually a sign that the meat is fresh and ready to eat. Alternatively, a foul smell is an indication that the meat is rotten and should be thrown away immediately.

Nutrition

Meat is a highly nutritious food that offers a wide range of vitamins, minerals and proteins. It is a good source of B vitamins and contains omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc and selenium. Meat has a high protein content, with many essential amino acids. This is a major reason for its health benefits and it is important to include meat in a balanced diet. Meat also contains different types of carbohydrates, such as glucose and glycogen. These are stored in the liver and muscles, but also in glands and organs to a lesser extent. They can affect the meat’s color, texture, tenderness and water-holding capacity. However, it is also important to consider the type of meat you eat. You should generally go for a lean cut if possible, so you don’t end up with too much saturated fat in your meal.