Tips to Buy Fresh Meat Near Me

Hmmm...looks like someone has Biryani on their mind today. Lets see, what is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Biryani? That's right! Meat. Obviously, we want our meat fresh to get the best taste in all our favorite meat dishes. From Biryani to Mutton Rogan Josh, we have a sweet spot for all meat dishes. Only fresh meat can satisfy our cravings of the authentic taste of meat. Lets learn some tips to buy fresh meat and arise as commendable food architects.

Humans are natural born carnivores. Vegetables are necessary for a nutrition rich diet. When meat and veggies gang up, they make a lethal weapon against diseases and and are the best buddies of our immunity system.

What Is Meat?

Lamb, Goat, Sheep and Cow (Beef) mutton is classified as meat. Flesh of these domesticated animals can also be termed as poultry.

There are 173 countries that consume meat according to Our World in Data. China, Australia and United States rank as the top meat consuming countries. India is also a major advocate of meat. Meat is included in a great deal of preparations in Indian as well as in cuisines such as Asian, African, Arabian, Mexican, Italian and others.

What Is Fresh Meat?

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Fresh meat near me Freshly cut meat that's free of preservatives as a result of not being put through preserving processes is called Fresh meat. Frozen and vacuum sealed meat is not grouped as preserved meat and is categorized under the fresh meat near me family.

Meat cut at the butcher's shop or meat market and frozen, unpreserved meat is the freshest meat. Fresh meat near me has dark red color, is firm and juicy and has no odor.

What Is Old Meat?

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Old meat is flesh that is not preserved well and is spoilt. Unpleasant color and odor are immediate and visible indicators of spoilt meat. The meat is not tender or firm but slimy or sticky. This type of meat is hazardous to health. It may cause food poisoning and other health complications. Do not consume it.

Meat left out in heat and humidity is bad meat. Throw away meat frozen for weeks. By doing this, you can prevent falling sick.

Differences Between Fresh Meat And Old Meat

Fresh meat is Pink to red in color whereas Old meat is greenish, brownish or yellowish in color.
It has no odor or normal smell whereas Old meat is rancid smelling.
Fresh meat is juicy and tender whereas Old meat is neither juicy nor tender but chewy and tough.
It is firm whereas Old meat is too tough or too soft.

Fresh Meat	Old Meat
Pink to Red Color	Green, Brown or Yellow Color
Normal or No Odor	Rancid Smell
Juicy And Tender	Chewy And Tough
Firm	Not Firm

Fresh Meat Vs Old Meat

Characteristic Advantages - Tips To Buy Fresh Meat

Meat in all its glory is vastly beneficial to anyone who consumes it.

Health Master - Tips To Buy Fresh Meat

Meat is enriched with nutrients and vitamins in amounts that are distinctive. They are unavailable in other food or food supplements.

Iron,
Phosphorous,
Iodine ,
Zinc,
Protein,
Vitamin B- B6 and B12,
Omega 3 and
Healthy fats

are present in bountiful mass in every serving. These vitamins and minerals supply our organs the energy to perform functions, true to their nature.

Iron

Iron gives physical and mental energy.
It helps in carrying out gastrointestinal process.
It strengthens the immune system and regulates body temperature.

Phosphorous

Phosphorous assists in the utilization of carbohydrates and fats.
It works in synchrony with B Class Vitamins.
Phosphorous plays a vital role in kidney, nervous, heart and muscle functioning.
It helps in cell generation, maintenance and repair.

Protein

Right protein levels advance skin health and hair growth.
Maintains muscle mass and circulates oxygen through the body.
It also makes antibodies used for fighting infections.
Organs, tissues, cells and muscles carry protein.

Iodine

Iodine is primarily a mineral pertaining to the efficacy of the thyroid gland.
Proper levels of iodine translate to absence of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and other thyroid related illnesses.

Zinc

Zinc helps in immunity building.
Its useful in metabolic function.
It is a healer mineral that influences injuries.
It contributes to taste and smell reactions of the body.

Taste - Tips To Buy Fresh Meat Near Me

Meat tastes delicious when cooked fresh.
It is juicy and tender.
A treat for your taste buds especially if you are a meat lover.
You can eat meat with rice or bread.
Steaks, Ribs, Leg Piece or Raan will please your palette.
If you are a fan of Paaya or Liver, you can experience divine flavors in your meals.
International cuisines prepare meat by either slow roasted or barbequed methods that are relished worldwide.

Color - Tips To Buy Fresh Meat Near Me

Depending on the age of the animal, the meat should be pink to red in color.
Lamb meat is pink and adult sheep, goat and cow meat is red to dark red.
The reddishness is a sign of fresh and healthy meat.
Colors brown, yellow, bluish or other, are indicative of rotten meat.
You should not purchase spoilt meat.

Texture - Tips To Buy Fresh Meat Near Me

The texture of mutton should be firm and juicy.
You can test its integrity by pressing it. If your hands stay clean with no slime, you are good to go.
Double check if the shape returns to its original state. If so, the meat is firm.
Dryness in meat represents interaction with oxygen and other elements for far too long. The quality is deteriorated and the meat is no longer good. It may turn out to be chewy and can also make you sick.

Meat Inspection - Tips To Buy Fresh Meat Near Me

Meat should pass a series of tests before if can be given the green light for human consumption.

Inspection is conducted to see the status of meat pre and post slaughter.
Antemortem reveals if the animal is free of health problems or disabilities .
If it is checked, only then it is cleared for slaughter.
Post Mortem shows if the carcass had any changes due to slaughter such as pH changes and protein changes.
If there are no issues with the carcass and it is deemed to pass as food, then it can be consumed.

Grading - Tips To Buy Fresh Meat Near Me

USDA Grading standards reference holds true in India as well. Beef, Lamb, Sheep and Goat meat is graded based on these guidelines to assign quality brackets to meat.

Beef Grades:

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Prime Grade

Prime Grade Beef has the highest grading due to extensive marbling and has heightened taste. Hence it is extremely juicy and tasty. Dry meat preparations and grills are melt in the mouth quality.

Choice Grade

Choice Grade is less marbled but still good quality. The meat is credited to come out juicy and finger licking good. Tender cuts are fine for dry meat and grills. Gravy based preparations may be more in the playing field of this grade.

Select Grade

Select Grade of beef is the least in tenderness and juiciness. Its also goes through the least marbling. Its leaner than Prime graded and Choice graded meats. Most suitable for marinated meat dishes. The taste will still be scrumptious.

Mutton and Lamb Grades

Mutton and Lamb Grades are classified into Prime, Choice, Good and Utility. Age and maturity of carcass is taken into account while grading. Highest grade being Prime and lowest grade is utility. Multiple factors are measured at grading facilities and grades are assigned based on quality qualifications.

Quality - Tips To Buy Fresh Meat

Food And Agriculture Organization (FAO) determines quality on these six criteria.

Visual Clarity

This refers to the color and marbling extent of the meat.
Meat that ranges from pink to bright red is identified as meeting the minimum required quality specifications.
Uniformity in pink color and visual marbling in fat veins throughout the muscles and meat.
Marbling is supposed to add to the flavor and juice to the taste of the meat post cooking.

Smell

The meat should be normal smelling or odorless.
It should not spread fowl smell in the air.
Throw it out if the above is false.

Firmness

Firm meat cooks really well.
It should not be too soft.
It should not be tough or too chewy.
Firm meat stays on the bones and muscle of the carcass and does not fall off.
It is easy to cut and is not hard or dry.

Juiciness

Meat with adequate water retained after cooking and with enhancing flavor is top quality meat.
Aged meat is more juicy and soft.
Water and lipid consistency are necessary for balance in the quality.
Too much water is not good.

Tenderness

Tender meat comes from aged meat.
Chilling after slaughtering is the norm to tenderize the product.
Tenderness of meat can be declared on inspecting age, sex, bone and muscle density of the carcass.
The flesh is tender and fresh even after freezing.
Freezing should, however be done after waiting several hours after slaughter and not immediately.

Flavor

If the meat meets these qualities, then flavor is your responsibility.
Flavor intensifies with ingredients, marinating, boiling, cooking, frying roasting or other cooking processes that you concoct.
Using a recipe card will help achieve astounding flavor and taste.

Quantity - Tips To Buy Fresh Meat Near Me

You can purchase meat in any quantity from small to large as per your needs
When you buy large quantities, cost may be less comparatively.
Estimate 150 grams per person.
If you are cooking for a large party, multiply this number by the number of invitees to get an accurate estimate.

Meat Packing - Tips To Buy Fresh Meat

Buy meat that is wrapped properly with no tears. Paper, plastic or aluminum packing is protective. You can also carry your own Tupperware container or other glass or steel vessel to pack meat.

Storage - Tips To Buy Fresh Meat

Store meat between 0 to 2 degree Celcius.
You can store it up to 2 days in a freezer.
In refrigerators you can store meat up to 3 or 4 months.
However, buy quantities you can use immediately. You can always buy more later.

Buy Pink to Red Color Meat.
Buy Firm and Juicy Meat.
Check the Smell of the meat, this is one of the best tips to buy fresh meat.
Be sure to buy tender meat.
Buy flavorful meat.
Buy meat directly from a butcher or a Safety Standardized shop.
Read frozen meat labels before purchasing.
FSSAI assured meat is the best meat.
Check price too, pay a reasonable price.
Check the handling of the meat.
If the shop is clean and practices hygiene in cutting and storing, only then purchase from the store.
Ensure tightly packed carry bag or containers are handed to you.

Don'ts

Don't buy discolored meat.
Don't purchase smelling or funny looking meat.

Conclusion

Use this guide the next time you buy fresh meat so that your food tastes fantastic! Healthy, hygienic and fresh meat at reasonable prices is available near you.

Buy after checking all parameters. Have an indulgent delicacy with juicy and tender meat today!