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Buying Fresh Meat

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-732 -- More Projects »
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The label on meat should have a sell-by and use-by date on it.

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Questionable meat will look dry and discolored.

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Save money by buying tender meat with the bone in, then cutting the meat away from the bone later.
Chef Jet Tila provides tips for finding and buying the freshest meat.
  • Butchers use a "first in, first out" display, which means the meat at the front of the case is not as fresh as the meat at the rear. Always ask for the meat in the back.

  • Purchase meat when you are nearly finished shopping because it warms up and the breakdown process begins.

  • For prepackaged meats, look for a tight seal with no air pockets, bright red color (for beef), cool touch and a firm texture.

  • Ignore the use-by date. Always cook meat no later than the sell-by date on the label. This rule also applies for freezing.

  • Vacuum-packed meat will always be darker than fresh meat since it has no oxygen. Look for air bubbles or tears in the packaging. Meat should redden five to 10 minutes after being exposed to air.

  • Ground beef is usually made from tougher cuts of meat, so be sure to add plenty of seasonings.

  • When cooking tougher roasts, use slow, moist heat for greatest tenderness.

  • Buy tender cuts for less when it still has the bone attached. Simply cut meat away from bone when you get it home to save money on labor costs.

  • Veal should be light pink, while pork is a darker, grayer pink. Both are lighter in color than beef. Use the same freshness tests for these types as you would for beef.

  • To freeze meat, first wrap it in wax paper, then roll it in aluminum foil by placing meat at one end of a strip of foil. Roll over once or twice, fold insides and continue rolling. Mark sell-by date on the outside. Meat will last about one month in the freezer.
Guests
Jet Tila
Professional Chef, Bangkok Market
4757 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
Phone: 323-662-9705
Toll-free: 877-999-8424
Fax: 323-662-7990
E-mail: customerservice@bangkokmarket.com
Website: www.bangkokmarket.com
Also in this Episode
Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-732
•Finding the Right Belt
•Showcasing Treasures
•Buying Fresh Meat
•Smart Solution of the Day
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