How To Buy The Best Meat

When buying meat we must opt ​​for the pieces that have some streaks of fat, since these give it greater juiciness and flavor. The longer it has, the tastier and more tender it will be

Meat and, specifically, red meat or beef, is a food that is recommended to be included in the diet, although its consumption should be moderate.

Many studies indicate that long-term consumption of increasing amounts of red meat and, in particular, processed meat, is associated with an increased risk of total mortality, cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes, both in men as well as women.

Therefore, it is best not to abuse and, in the case of having previous pathologies, consult its consumption with the doctor who follows the patient’s history. In this article we will teach you how to buy meat so that you can choose the best quality and flavor.

Red meat and health

The consumption of red meat (beef, veal, pork, lamb and mutton) contributes several important nutrients to the diet, for example, essential amino acids, vitamins such as B12, and minerals such as iron and zinc.

In recent times, the consumption of red meat has been increasing around the world, especially in developing countries. At the same time, there is growing evidence that high consumption of red meat, especially processed meat, may be associated with an increased risk of several major chronic diseases.

At present, the World Health Organization has classified red meat within Group 2A, that is, as probably carcinogenic to humans. On the other hand, the production of red meat is a great environmental burden. For these reasons, its consumption should be moderate.

How to buy the best meat according to the cut

However, even if you have decided to moderate your meat consumption, when you go to the butcher or supermarket to buy it, you should know that there are eight primary cuts (large portions):

• The chuck (shoulder and upper ribs);
• the rib;
• the loin;
• the sirloin (hip);
• thigh;
• the chest;
• the belly;
• the small flank;

• Organs like the liver and kidneys are called viscera.

About the meat

In addition to the cuts, it can help you to know some terms and keys to be able to choose the best possible meat :

Grain

Much beef comes from cattle fattened with grain (usually corn), for three to six months in feedlots. Since corn is not a natural part of a cow’s diet, cattle fed it could experience stress and other ailments, so they are routinely treated with antibiotics.

They also receive growth hormones to increase their size. Until recently, cheap corn has helped keep the price of meat low.

Herb

Grass-fed meat comes from cows that feed on grasses and legumes. Its meat is lower in saturated fat, cholesterol and calories than that of grain.

Grass-fed beef has a distinct flavor. Many people believe that grass-fed cattle is a more sustainable option. However, raising grass-fed cattle requires a lot of time and large open spaces, so these variables increase its price.

Aging

Aging is the traditional process preferred by many meat lovers. The intense flavor of the dried meat develops when they are hung in the rooms, with controlled temperature and humidity, from 10 days to six weeks. The longer the aging, the better the taste and tenderness.

Some beef is sold in large, vacuum-packed cuts. During a period of about seven days that the meat is packaged, it ages in a process called “wet aging”.

When buying the best meat

Finally, these are some more aspects that you will have to take into account when buying:

• Meat must always be refrigerated on the counter or in the chamber. Minced meat, at 2 ºC; that of beef, pork and lamb, at 7 ºC; and birds at 4ºC.
• Price signs must be attached to the part, not nailed to it.
• Pieces containing the streaks of fat contribute to juiciness and flavor.
• Minced meat must be minced in the presence of the consumer.
• Meat that has been vacuum packed may turn brown due to lack of oxygen. The normal color of vacuum packed meat returns after holding the meat open for a short time.

When you go to the supermarket to buy meat, pay attention to the aspects that we have mentioned. Remember that it is not advisable to abuse red meat and, in case of presenting a medical problem, it is best to consult its consumption with the specialist.