How to Tell if Pork Has Gone Bad
When it comes to detecting spoiled pork, you don’t need to sniff it up close. Simply hold the meat up to your face in a windy area, and you will perceive any strange odors. Typically, fresh pork has a slightly tangy blood scent, while spoiled pork has a strong, putrid smell.
Lack of Springiness in the Meat
Fresh pork usually has a good amount of springiness to it. When you press your finger into the meat and release it, the indentation quickly fills up and disappears. Meat that lacks this springiness may have been previously frozen and then thawed for sale. Spoiled pork may also exhibit this characteristic.
Pay attention to these tricks to avoid buying low-quality pork. Illustrated photo.
Abnormal or Dull Coloration of the Pork
Be cautious when you see pork with unusual surface colors like dark gray, deep red, or black-red. These are signs of tainted and less-than-fresh pork. Many people mistakenly believe that blood on the surface indicates freshness, assuming it has just been butchered. In reality, during the butchering process, any blood is wiped clean. Meat with blood on the surface has likely been tampered with by unscrupulous sellers to deceive buyers.
Slimy Texture on the Pork
Fresh pork sold in markets will feel supple and slightly sticky to the touch. However, spoiled pork will have a slimy, sticky feel. It won’t have the typical pork scent but will rather smell slightly rancid, indicating bacterial contamination. Cooking this type of meat will result in a putrid odor, and consuming it may harm your health.
Waterlogged Pork
Meat that appears excessively wet or waterlogged has likely been injected with water to increase its weight. If you notice water seeping from the pork and the seller frequently wiping it down, steer clear, as it has likely been injected with water.
Lymph Nodes in the Pork
At first glance, if the pork appears to have lymph nodes, it is best avoided. These nodes often harbor bacteria and emit a foul odor that is challenging to eliminate, even with thorough cooking. The neck area of the pig contains the most lymph nodes. Stay away from pork cuts with visible nodes.
Red or Reddish Spots on the Pork’s Skin
Typically, pork with reddish pores has likely been sourced from a pig that died prior to slaughter. Meat from a dead pig will be a deep red color, with dark red or black blood, and a distinct putrid odor. Do not purchase pork with these characteristics. Anyone involved in the trade knows that freshly slaughtered pork will have some blood.
During the butchering process, normal pork will bleed, displaying a light or bright red color, and this is the type of pork that is desirable. Pork with a darker hue may be from a pig that has not finished bleeding out, with blood clots present in the meat. If the pork is very dark, it could be from a pig that died before slaughter.
Tips for Choosing Delicious Pork
– When selecting pork, opt for the shoulder meat, especially the crispy part of the shoulder.
– Pork from pigs not treated with lean meat-inducing chemicals tends to have a higher fat content (more marbling) than pork from pigs treated with such chemicals.
– Don’t be lured by the attractive red color and thick layer of lean meat. Instead, buy from reputable sources with clear origins and trusted brands.
– To keep pork fresh, wrap it securely and store it in the refrigerator. Additionally, for the sake of your health, keep raw pork separate from cooked foods or produce that will be consumed raw.
– If you’re not planning to cook the pork immediately, it’s best to store it in the freezer.
How Much Pork Should You Eat Daily for Optimal Health?
According to Sức khỏe & Đời sống, PGS. TS Nguyễn Duy Thịnh, a specialist in food technology, advises that since pork is a protein-rich food, it should not be consumed in large quantities. In response to the question of how much pork one should eat daily, he suggests that a maximum of 150 grams per day is sufficient, and this recommendation applies to all types of meat.
Translated from Người đưa tin
Pork Ribs: Don’t eat if they have these signs, or you’ll regret it later.
Meat and pork ribs are familiar foods in daily meals, but if you’re not careful when buying, you might bring home pieces of meat and pork ribs that have been left to spoil or come from sick pigs.
5 Signs You Should Throw Away Food Even If It’s Kept in the Refrigerator
Food stored in the refrigerator lasts longer than at room temperature. However, if you notice these 5 signs in refrigerated food, it’s best to throw it away immediately.
