How to master meat freshness in seconds: Expert tips

Consuming stale meat can lead to serious health problems, so it's worth knowing simple tricks to assess its quality even before purchasing. We don't always have the opportunity to closely examine or smell the meat, particularly when it is wrapped in plastic. Fortunately, there are methods that can help you evaluate the freshness of meat in just a few seconds. Learn how to do it and what to pay attention to, so you can avoid wasting money on products that are not fit for consumption.

The first step in choosing fresh meat is a careful observation of its appearance. Fresh beef should have an intense, red colour, while pork and poultry should be slightly pink. Avoid meat with a greyish or brownish tint, as this may indicate it is not fresh.

Another important factor is the meat's texture. Fresh meat should be firm and resilient. If a dimple remains after you press it with your finger and does not disappear or disappears very slowly, it means the meat has lost its freshness.

Fresh meat should not have any slimy leaks or unpleasant odour. If you detect a sweet or sour smell, refrain from purchasing.

It's often the case that the meat we want to buy is already packaged in plastic. In such situations, we cannot assess its smell. So how do you check if such meat is fresh?

1. Press with your finger: Gently press your finger on the surface of the meat.
2. Check elasticity: If the meat quickly returns to its original form, it indicates freshness.
3. Pay attention to the indentation: If an indentation remains where you pressed, or if the meat deforms very slowly, it indicates that the meat is not at its freshest.

Choosing fresh meat is a key element in preparing healthy and tasty meals. By following the above tips, you will be able to easily assess the quality of the meat and be sure you are purchasing the highest quality product. Remember, fresh meat is not only a guarantee of taste but also of health safety.