Arguably, the freshest and most delicious foods come directly from farm-to-table. However, most people in urban or suburban areas get their food from the grocery store. As such, the freshest meat isn’t always obvious. Fortunately, butchers have shared some helpful hints to make sure you’re getting the best quality foods.
Buying the Freshest Meat
Although inflation has seemingly tapered off, post-pandemic grocery prices were at an all-time high and many customers reported feeling frustrated by the quality of groceries they were getting compared to the rising prices they were paying. However, buying the freshest meat and produce is one of the easiest ways to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth. The Butcher Wizard, a professional butcher and content creator, has a YouTube channel, posting videos that cover all things fresh meat.
Spotting the Freshest Meat
Firstly, The Butcher Wizard’s helpful hints include doing something that most people automatically do anyway. He suggests looking at the packaging when buying fresh meat. Apparently, the wrapping should fit snuggly on the product. Alternately, he notes, if the wrapping has stretched, is loose, or has air bubbles it may indicate the meat is close to going bad, if it hasn’t already.
Note the Color
Secondly, he suggests taking note of the color. For instance, the freshest meat like chicken will appear pink, while spoiled or older chicken will appear yellow or gray. Meanwhile, steak and other cuts of beef appear purple or “bright cherry” red when fresh. Conversely, the same cuts of meat will appear brown or gray when they’ve gone bad.
Smelling the Freshest Meat
Thirdly, “trust your nose.” Although raw fresh meat doesn’t smell appetizing, it crosses a threshold when it goes bad, often giving off a stomach-turning odor. That unpleasant, or unbearable, smell not only indicates the meat isn’t the freshest, but it may also indicate the meat has spoiled or is riddled with food-borne-illness-causing bacteria.
“Trust Your Nose”
Next, the Butcher Wizard notes that even if the colors and packaging look okay, “trusting your nose” and noting an offputting smell will almost assuredly prevent you and your family from getting sick.
Fresh Meat is Kept Cold
Then, he suggests taking note of the temperature inside the butcher department at the grocery store. He explains that meat should always be kept at a minimum temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. While buying the freshest meat is ideal, maintaining freshness doesn’t end at the store. Rather, you can keep meat fresher for longer by also ensuring the meat is properly stored at your home.
Fresh Vs. Frozen
Additionally, buying fresh meat and taking it home to freeze will almost always mean the meat is fresher than from the pre-frozen section.
Cold is Last
Lastly, prioritize your order of operations so that the cold stuff isn’t in your cart while you’re shopping for other essentials such as weekly snacks or breakfast cereals.
Tender Cuts
While vegans and vegetarians won’t agree, meat eaters often enjoy the freshest meats as they tend to be the most delectable and tender but there are so many cuts of meat, and each offers the culinary world something special.
Cube Steak
For instance, cube steak resembles ground beef and is made from top sirloin, a cut often associated with having more muscles and tendons.
Denver Steak
Meanwhile, Denver Steak is becoming an increasingly popular cut of meat for stews. However, its tough outer layer makes it less than ideal for a good steak dinner.
Memorable Cuts
Next, the tomahawk. Arguably one of the “most memorable”meals you may ever have, the tomahawk is a massive cut of meat. Ranging around 40 ounces, the cut is commonly shared among friends or family as it’s filling and hearty. It’s a marbled, tender, and flavorful cut.
Ribeye
Lastly, a ribeye is one of the juiciest and most tender cuts, when cooked properly. Experts recommend a dry, high heat with minimal seasoning.
The freshest meats are often the most tender and flavorful. Keep these tips in mind to ensure you get the most bang for your buck on your next grocery run.
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