Even if the expiration date on the package is normal, the meat, alas, may be spoiled. When choosing, as Dmitry Zmievsky reports, it is important to look at the product itself, and not at the label. An expert shares five signs of spoiled meat that speak louder than printed expiration dates.
#1: Windward Edges
If the edges of the meat are weathered, dried out or have a grayish tint, it means that this piece has been on the display case for several days. In this case, the middle may look quite decent. Some sellers try to hide this and begin to shift, turn over the meat and illuminate it with lamps. But if you try to fry it, it will turn out tough and dry.
No. 2: Lots of liquid in the package
If the meat floats in a cloudy liquid, it is definitely not worth buying. In this case, the reason for the cloudy liquid may not only be spoiled meat. Sometimes this happens after freezing and thawing, and in some cases the manufacturer pumps the meat with water to increase weight. The result is a puddle in the pan during frying and wasted money.
#3: Yellow Fat
If the meat is fresh, the fat is white or has light creamy tints. If the fat has faded and turned yellow, it means that such meat is no longer safe to eat, especially when it comes to pork.
#4: Stickiness
Fresh meat is moist, but does not stick to your fingers. If the surface of the piece is slippery and sticky, it means the product has gone bad.
No. 5: Hole after pressing
Press your finger into the meat. If it is fresh, then the surface will immediately be restored, and if it is rotten, then a hole will remain on it.
Features and nuances
Minced meat, chicken fillet, chopped and marinated meat, heart and liver are the foods that spoil first. When purchasing them, pay attention not only to the expiration date, but also to the signs discussed above.
Don't forget about proper storage of meat. Do not keep it in the refrigerator for more than two days, and if you decide to freeze it, put it in the freezer immediately. Thawing and re-freezing are not recommended.
