When buying red meat, we often look for the bright red section. But did you know that fresh meat is actually purple? When exposed to air, the pigments it contains react with oxygen to give it that familiar red color. And what about dark meat? Does it spoil? Read on to discover how to choose your fresh meat wisely.
- The ideal color of meat
depends on the type of meat. Red meat should be dark and can range from purple to red to brown. If it’s brown, it simply means it has been exposed to oxygen. Pork should be light pink, while game should be dark brown. Poultry can be bluish-white or brown, depending on the animal’s diet. - The smell
is the best indicator of meat freshness. If it’s strong or smells like rotten meat, better
