Quality Chicken: Debunking 5 Major Myths About Poultry Meat.

However, real tasty and healthy meat is only quality meat. Yet, there is so much information on how to identify it that it’s easy to get confused. At the same time, there are many mistakes and myths. For example.

Homegrown Chicken is Better

Homegrown chicken refers to chickens raised in private households and sold situationally at markets. There is also industrial chicken, which is regularly supplied to various retail outlets. Therefore, when 'homegrown' chicken is sold in stores, it is merely a marketing gimmick. According to standards, homegrown chickens must be natural, free from antibiotics and growth hormones, but large poultry farms also comply with relevant safety and quality standards.

Properly organized production allows for raising chickens without antibiotics and growth hormones, and the main advantage of a large poultry farm lies in the quality control of products and research. Meanwhile, sellers at markets may not have the necessary information about the conditions in which the chicken was raised.

The Yellow Color of Meat or Fat Means it's Old or Bad

The marker of yellowness in meat or fat is merely a myth. Normal chicken meat should have a pale yellow color with a pinkish tint, as the yellowish color of meat is caused by the presence of carotenoids. Carotenoids, which accumulate in the chicken’s body from their diet, naturally influence the color of the meat.

Chicken skin contains mono- and polyunsaturated fats, which may have beneficial properties for health. Chicken bones can also be beneficial as they contain important minerals and collagen. However, it is important to consider the living and raising conditions of the chicken, as uncontrolled intake of minerals, hormones, and antibiotics can affect the quality of the product.

Frozen Chicken Can Be Stored Longer

Frozen chicken can be suitable for consumption for 12 months or longer, while chilled chicken lasts only a week. Chilled meat retains all beneficial properties, while freezing creates ice crystals that can affect the meat's texture. Thawing can also lose some beneficial substances. It is also crucial to thaw chicken properly to preserve all beneficial properties of the product.

Marinating and making minced meat help sell a product that is not of the freshest quality, but they can also contain beneficial ingredients. The process of making minced meat is controlled by companies that are responsible for the quality of their products.

Explaining the myths and errors related to the selection and quality of chicken meat can help consumers to be better educated when buying food products. It is important to understand that the label 'homegrown chicken' or meat color is not always a determinant of quality, so it is essential to approach the choice and consumption of meat products carefully.