November 19, 2024
Whether you are looking to stretch your meat budget or choose Grade A proteins for a family get-together, buying the best meat is essential to creating delicious, satisfying dishes. Choosing quality proteins goes beyond price—it requires knowing how to assess freshness, selecting the right cuts, and considering flavor profiles that enhance your cooking.
From picking the perfect steak to finding the most tender chicken, this guide covers everything you need to make informed choices and bring top-quality meat to your table.
Identifying Meat Quality: Know Your Cuts
The expansive meat selection at your local restaurant supply store might feel overwhelming. However, knowing what to look for can make grocery shopping easy and your selection prime!
Meat cuts play a prominent role in recipes. Each cut has its own preferred application and cooking methods, so you want to choose the right cut for your meals.
- Beef comes in eight main cuts: brisket, chuck, flank, loin, rib, round, shank, and short plate.
- Pork is typically found in six different cuts: belly, chops, rib, roast, shoulder, and tenderloin.
- Fish even comes in a number of options to choose from.
The first step in your shopping journey is to review your recipes in advance and identify the recommended cuts of meat you'll need. This will help you shop with purpose and ensure that you're choosing the best type of protein for your dish.
Once you've determined the type of cut, follow these tips to ensure the meat you choose meets your high standards for quality, freshness, and taste.
Purchase Clean Cuts
When determining meat quality, look for smooth, clean, uniform portions. Professionally butchered meat will never have a jagged edge. Not only does this mean the butchering process was handled safely and precisely, but it also means your proteins will cook at the same rate, making meal prep and cooking a breeze.
Read the Meat Package Label
Packaged meats come with labels that provide important information, such as the type of cut, weight, price per pound, and sell-by date. Always check the labels to ensure you get the correct cut and quantity needed for your recipes - this small step can help you avoid surprises when you start cooking.
In addition to the general info, beef and pork should have inspection and grade stamps on the package. These stamps are critical for confirming the quality and safety of the meat. The USDA monitors the Federal Meat Inspection Act, which certifies the safety of commercially produced meat.
Speaking of packaging, observe the packaging itself. Bloated packaging, especially packaging that was vacuum-sealed, could mean there is microbial contamination. These packages should be avoided as they are likely spoiled.
Check the Color
Identifying the right color that indicates freshness depends on the type of meat.
- Beef: Fresh, red meat has a very distinct color range. It should be dark in color and appear reddish or reddish-purple. If you encounter gray or green-tinted beef, that usually signifies that the meat is past its prime.
- Pork: Pork meat should be light, blushing, pink. Pale pork is typically an indication it is of lesser quality. If the inside meat is gray or the outside is green, then it is most likely spoiled.
Perform a Smell Test
The smell test is one of the most reliable methods to gauge the quality and freshness of your meat. Whether you're buying beef, chicken, pork, or fish, fresh meat should have little to no odor. Regardless of the type of meat, if you detect a strong, sour, or unpleasant smell that is a clear sign that the meat has spoiled and should be avoided.
Examine the Texture and Fat Content
Both pork and beef cuts should be slightly moist and firm. Any trace of sliminess or stickiness is not a good sign. Fat around pork and beef translates into melt-in-your-mouth flavor, so don’t shy away from fatty edges. In addition, a healthy amount of fat marbling means the steak will be succulent and tender.
Meat muscle fibers should be tight and close together. If the cut appears frayed or falling apart, don't trust its quality and freshness.
Temperature Controlled Storage
One of the overlooked parts of making a quality meat selection is looking at your grocery’s fridge and freezer storage. Temperature control is crucial to keep ingredients fresh and safe for consumption. Any signs of water dripping from freezers or room-temperature refrigeration could indicate faulty equipment, which could mean problems for your food safety.
Buy Quality Meats Every Day at US Foods CHEF’STORE
Take the guesswork out of meat shopping when you visit CHEF'STORE. We handle and store all our products with the utmost care, ensuring they are fresh, safe, and of the highest quality when they reach your cart.
Whether you are shopping in-store or getting delivery, you can rest assured that your meats will also be fresh, flavorful, and budget-friendly! With us, you can shop confidently, knowing you're getting the best quality for your meals without breaking the bank.
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