Chef names ways to check the quality and freshness of popular products

chef, brand chef of ImmunoHealth Immunodietology Clinic

When it comes to buying a variety of foods, it’s important to pay attention to quality. These tips will help you make an informed choice.

Meat

Appearance and color. High quality meat should have a fresh and bright color. For beef, this is a bright red hue, while for poultry it is pinkish. Avoid a product with gray coloring and dark spots – they can indicate spoilage.

Texture. A firm texture means the product is of high quality. It is springy when touched and does not leave indentations. Avoid meat that is too soft, slimy or sticky, as these are signs of spoilage.

Odor. Fresh meat has a neutral or slightly metallic odor. A pungent sour odor indicates stale.

Marbling and fat distribution. Marbling is determined by the fat layers located in a piece of meat and muscle fibers. The fat should be a pure white color and distributed evenly throughout the product.

Sourcing and labeling. Purchase meat products from reputable producers and consider labels such as organic, grass-fed or free-range, depending on preference.

Fruits and vegetables

Appearance and consistency. Choose fruits and vegetables that are brightly colored and free of blemishes. They should not be too hard or soft when lightly squeezed.

Odor. Avoid fruits and vegetables that have a sour or musty odor, as this indicates spoilage.

Weight. Heavier fruits and vegetables are often juicier and fresher. Compare the weight of similarly sized produce to determine their relative quality and make the right choice.

Firmness. Fruits and vegetables have varying degrees of firmness. For example, ripe avocados yield slightly to pressure, while apples should be firm. Assess the desired level of ripeness before purchasing the produce.

Seasonality and origin. Whenever possible, choose locally grown seasonal produce, as it is more likely to be fresh and flavorful.

Milk

Packaging and expiration date. Check the milk packaging for damage or leaks. Make sure the expiration date is within the normal range.

Odor. Fresh milk should have a mild, slightly sweet odor. A sour odor indicates a spoiled product.

Consistency. Fresh milk has a smooth and uniform consistency. Avoid a curdled product with lumps.

Taste. It should be slightly sweet. If it tastes sour, it is probably spoiled and should be discarded.

Dried fruit

Appearance and texture. Have a uniform color and texture. Avoid foods that are discolored, have mold, are too dry or sticky. Bright hues should also alert, as this may indicate that the dried fruit is tinted or has been boiled in sugar syrup.

Flavor. Good quality dried fruits have a pleasant and natural odor, but not rancid (unpleasant smell and bitter taste due to spoilage).

Moisture. Dried fruits should be well dried for a firm chewy texture. Excess moisture can lead to mold development.

Packaging. Check packaging for signs of damage such as tears or holes. Properly sealed packaging helps preserve the quality and freshness of dried fruit.

Ingredient list. Read the ingredient list to make sure no harmful substances have been added to the product, especially if you prefer a more natural product.