Picking the right meat at the market can be a bit of a puzzle. The color, texture, and smell of meat give clues about its freshness and quality. Some like darker cuts, others go for lighter ones. But how do you know what’s top-notch? Let’s dig in so you can grab fresh, healthy meat for your family.
Why Meat Color Counts
Meat color is often the first hint of its quality. But color changes can be puzzling. Here’s the lowdown:
Dark Meat: Darker pork or beef might mean two things. It could be that the meat isn’t fully matured and has small blood clots, or worse, it’s from a sick animal. Blackened meat? Big no-no. That usually means bad processing or an unhealthy source. Steer clear of overly dark pieces.