Beef and buffalo meat are nutritionally equivalent, but due to consumer demand, beef is more expensive. As a result, some traders have been adulterating beef with buffalo meat to increase their profits. The following simple tips will help you distinguish between the two.
1 Color Difference
Beef is lighter in color, typically a pinkish or reddish hue, and has yellowish fat. In contrast, buffalo meat is darker, with a deep pink or red shade, and its muscle fibers have less fat or white-colored fat.
2 Texture Difference
Another easy way to tell them apart is by looking at the texture. Beef has finer and smaller muscle fibers, while buffalo meat has larger and coarser fibers. This is more noticeable when looking at the cross-section of the meat.
3 Flavor and Cooking Difference
When cooked, beef usually has a distinctive aroma, and the meat tends to shrink and become tender. On the other hand, buffalo meat often has little to no smell, and the meat expands, becoming tougher and chewier. Buffalo meat is also more challenging to cook and may develop a fishy odor if not prepared correctly.
So, there you have it! Now you know how to tell the difference between beef and buffalo meat. This knowledge will help you make informed choices and ensure you get what you pay for.