When it comes to buying meat, it is important to look for quality and freshness. Always ask your butcher for recommendations and be sure to inspect the cut of meat before purchasing. Red meat with good marbling tends to be more flavorful and juicier. Poultry should have a nice pink color and show no signs of discoloration or slime. Lamb should have a mild, pleasant smell and be a light pink or light red color. It is also important to consider the right cut of meat for your recipe, as different cuts require different cooking methods. Low and slow cooking methods can make less expensive cuts of meat taste even better. Always make food safety a priority, and store raw meat properly to avoid contamination. With these tips, you can ensure that you are buying good quality meat for a tastier and safer meal.
1. Research a reputable butcher
Don’t walk into any random butcher’s shop and purchase the meat that you like at first glance. It is important to research beforehand about a particular business. You can try out online reviews or conduct a test visit to understand their treatment for you as a customer. It is not important to find the cheapest butcher but someone who does their job well and is dependable on a long-term basis.
2. Don’t hold back your questions
Don’t be shy to ask questions when you are purchasing meat. It is your right as a consumer to ask questions about the topics that you are concerned about. It could be about how the animals were raised or what was their diet. It could be where they were brought from and where they were grass-fed or raised without antibiotics.
You can also check for labels and certifications such as organic, free-range, grass-fed, pasture-raised, etc., for understanding the animal practices followed at the shop.
3. Choose to Buy Local
Local Agribusiness economies can benefit largely if customers choose to buy their meats from local butchers’ shops. When customers shop from local butchers’ shops, it helps pump money into the local revenue streams like farmers, mills, ranchers, butchers, and chefs. It will also help other local butchers in your community thrive in their businesses.
4. See, Smell, and Touch before your Buy
The meat’s color can say a lot. Avoid purchasing meat that has a pale or faded color. A fresh piece of meat would be either red or pink. For example, a fresh cut of pork would be pinkish, and a fresh cut of beef would be dark red.
When you touch the meat, it should be firm and not soggy or tough. Also, it should not have any odor. Always buy meat that has the right color and looks fresh. Even when you purchase vacuum-packed meat, make sure it does not have any excess water or tears in the packaging.
5. Try Something New
It is essential to keep trying something new. Don’t hesitate to try meats that you haven’t grown up eating.
Lesser-known cuts like the thin-cut flank steak or pork collar can be tried for starts. A local butcher can help you choose the best new meat you can try. Butchers are loaded with knowledge about techniques, recipes, tools, tips, planning, and buying on a budget.
After you purchase meat from a local butcher, it is equally vital to cook the meat well.
