Return it to the shelf immediately: One sign reveals that the chicken is for throwing away
Chicken is almost a given thing in our country. The fastest dinner, the easiest lunch, the most frequent choice when you don't know what to cook. That's precisely why most people stop thinking when they buy it, take the first package that looks 'okay' and move on. And that's where the mistake is made.
TL;DR
- Fresh chicken should be light pink, slightly shiny, and firm to the touch.
- Avoid chicken with grayish or greenish tones, or a pale, 'washed out' appearance.
- Slimy, sticky, or overly soft texture indicates spoiled chicken that should not be consumed.
- A sour, heavy, or unpleasant smell is a clear sign of spoilage.
- Check the origin and declaration of the meat; ask the seller if unsure.
- Fresh chicken has a short shelf life, typically only a few days, even under ideal conditions.
- Refrigerate chicken immediately after purchase, preferably in a sealed container or its original packaging.
- If not cooking the same day, freeze portions of chicken rather than keeping it in the refrigerator for an extended period.
- Plastic cutting boards are safer than wooden ones as they do not retain bacteria in their pores.
- If chicken appears suspicious, it is best to discard it rather than risk consuming it.