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If you buy meat in a store, you probably rely on the expiration date label to find out whether the meat is fresh. But what if we told you that there is an easy and quick way to determine meat freshness without having to read the labels? This simple finger trick can save you money and, above all, protect you from health problems that can arise from consuming old meat.
Color is key
Before you use the finger trick, first focus on the color of the meat. Fresh chicken breasts should have a pleasant pink color, which is a sign of good feeding and quality meat. Conversely, if the meat looks more yellow-gray, it’s better to avoid it. This color can indicate the use of various supplements or longer storage time.
Another important factor is the color of the fat. The fat on fresh chicken meat should be yellowish, which indicates that the animal was fed natural feeds such as corn. White fat on the meat can be a sign of lower quality, and such meat is better left on the shelves.
Finger freshness test
If the meat passed the visual inspection, it’s time to try the simple finger trick. You can perform this test not only on fresh meat at the counter, but also on packaged meat in plastic wrap. How to do it?
Just gently press your finger into the meat and watch what happens. If the meat quickly returns to its original shape and the hole from the finger disappears, you can be sure the meat is fresh. On the contrary, if a dent remains in the meat, it may be a sign that the meat is not the freshest. This trick works perfectly with chicken meat.
However, different rules apply to beef. If a fingerprint remains in beef after pressing, it means the meat has been well-aged and is ready for cooking or grilling.
Conclusion
When buying meat, it’s worth paying attention not only to the labels but also to the color and quality of the fat. And when in doubt, use the finger trick to be sure you’re buying fresh and quality meat. This simple test can help you avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure that your food will be tasty and safe.
