Tips for Buying Meat

Being an avid nighttime grocery shopper, I usually encounter the worst selection when it comes to meats. And the problematic situation is usually compounded by the fact that the meat counter is closed by the time I get to the grocery store.

So, how do you tell the difference between good and bad meat? There are a few tips you should keep in mind when shopping for meat at a grocery store - regardless of whether you are buying prepackaged or something that is fresh.

The first tip is to always go early in the morning when the selection is the best on prepackaged items and stores have just gotten in their morning deliveries. Now, read on for some additional tips on selecting the right meat that could also help you avoid getting sick.

Check Dates: Always check the dates. There are no guarantees with a date. However, if you see something that's been sitting out in the refrigerator for a few days, you may want to rethink your purchase.

Another point to mention here, is that new meat labels are supposed to list the country of origin on fresh meat - for your information.

Messy: Anything that is dripping or feels sticky, should be left alone. If something feels gross to the touch, then it probably will also taste gross, or worse, get you sick with something. Meat packaging should never be sticky or feel slimy.

Plastic baggies: You know those rolls of plastic bags found throughout the product and poultry sections of grocery stores? Always a grab a bunch of those and use them. Even if you are purchasing packaged meat that does not look like it is dripping, always bag it. Place each meat product in its own plastic bag so that you avoid leakage onto other grocery items or cross-contamination.

Smell: If something smells off, you will know. Meat should always smell fresh, and not as if it is expired. If the smell of your raw meat makes your stomach turn, then maybe it's time to turn around and go for something else.

Meat Counters: A lot of people swear by the meat counter and won't touch prepackaged meat. People say the stuff from the counter is fresher and of better quality. You can make the decision on whether you are buying a better meat on your own. However, buying from the counter does ensure that you are getting fresh meat.

Butcher Shops: And in the same vein of the meat counter logic, there is still another set of grocery shoppers that will only buy their meat from local butcher shops - if they are lucky enough to have one near them. Again, the argument is that butcher shops sell better quality meat. The selection may also be greater as well since meat is their only product.

In any event, if you do decide to shop for meat at a butcher shop, be prepared to spend more as these stores tend to charge more per pound for their product.

Pricing: Some people are of the mentality that you get what you pay for when it comes to meat. Therefore, those that only buy meat on sale, are somehow getting a lower grade meat. This isn't necessarily true, nor is it the sort of attitude someone on a budget should have.

There is nothing wrong with buying meat on sale, but if you are buying it on sale, make sure to carefully evaluate what you are getting before paying for it. Sometimes a sale price means the store has too much of it in stock for a longer than usual time - though this is definitely not always the case.

Color: Color isn't everything. However, if your meat has an odd color to it and isn't very red, you may want to double check the date or just ask. The employees working the meat counter or anyone stocking meat in that section of the store are usually more than willing to help you out. The service isn't limited to just customers who shop the counter.

Fish: Fish is a little different from beef. If you are purchasing fresh fish, make sure that the meat is firm and doesn't feel watery or droopy. "Perky" may sound like an odd adjective for something you're going to eat later, but it's the best way of describing how your meat should feel before you leave the grocery store.