Meat is one of the most consumed foods in the world and its quality is essential to ensure a healthy, balanced and – why not? – tasty diet.

In the past, consumer interest in the qualitative characteristics of foods was decidedly low, if not completely absent, particularly with regard to those foods that had always been considered “ideal” and “healthy”, such as beef.

The term “ quality ” for meat has always been used to define a product that, once cooked, was juicy and tender and therefore had to be, when raw, sufficiently infiltrated with fat. However, in recent years the consumer has shown an ever-increasing interest in a broader concept of quality, including, among other things, the safety and wholesomeness of food and has changed, at least in part, his expectations towards meat products.

In this article, we will explore the quality meat supply chain, highlighting how consumers can make informed choices to enjoy high-quality meat.

Beef quality is difficult to define, as it is a complex concept and determined by consumer preferences . Meat has characteristics influenced by various factors, such as muscle structure, chemical composition and changes that occur in muscle tissue after slaughter. Furthermore, the concept of quality in relation to this food varies among different populations and cuisines of the world , as consumer preferences are subject to and related to human senses such as appearance, smell, flavour and taste.

Today, the quality of meat can be defined based on scientific parameters such as its composition, including the amount of fat, color, water retention capacity, tenderness, functionality, flavor, etc.

Although there cannot be a classification of the different characteristics of meat that influence the food choices of all types of consumers, there are some very widespread if not basic, including undoubtedly the color that has also led to the distinction between red meat and white meat. Consumers associate the quality of meat with juiciness, tenderness and flavor, and especially this last characteristic increases the probability that it is purchased to have a higher level of satisfaction. After color, flavor is the reason why several consumers make meat their favorite food.

The producers' choice

It all starts with the meat producers. Responsible ones are committed to ensuring animal welfare, responsible use of antibiotics and environmental sustainability. Cultivated fields, pastures, meadows and mountain pastures: dairy cattle usually graze in green mountain and pre-Alpine areas, while fattening cattle graze in the southern plains and hills. Meat is checked at all stages of the supply chain: from the farm to the slaughterhouse, up to the point of sale. When purchasing meat, it is important to look for producers who adopt ethical practices and are transparent about their farming policies.

The breed and the diet

The breed of animals and their diet significantly influence the quality of the meat. In the case of cattle intended for meat production, the breeding methods (stable vs. grass fed ) depend mainly on the agricultural characteristics of the territories in which it is carried out, in particular on the fertility of the soils that produce the livestock feed.

First of all, it is necessary to specify that the breeding systems are generally mixed, that is, they have an initial phase of grazing, otherwise known as extensive or free-range, which is applied to young animals, and a subsequent phase, called confined or intensive, in which the final part of the production cycle is carried out and which is based on a more nutritious and energetic diet. It is therefore very rare for the animal to be entirely raised with a single system and it is therefore very difficult for these animals to be raised exclusively with a single breeding regime. As anticipated, the productive orientation depends on the characteristics of the soil and therefore on the availability of forage with high nutritional value.

Traceability

Traceability is crucial to ensuring food safety and meat quality. Consumers should look for products that provide detailed information about the provenance of the meat, including place and date of slaughter, breeding and processing. This allows consumers to make more informed choices.

Slaughter and processing

Slaughtering and processing meat are critical steps in the supply chain. Hygienic and quality-compliant processes are essential. Processing plants that follow best practices often produce fresher, safer meat.

Storage and distribution

Proper cold chain management is essential to maintain the freshness of meat. Consumers should pay attention to labels and expiration dates to ensure they are purchasing fresh and safe meat.

The role of retailers

Quality meat retailers, like EliteMeat.it, play a key role in the supply chain. These professionals often know the provenance of the meat they sell and can offer advice on cuts and cooking methods.

Conscious consumer choices

Finally, consumers have a crucial role in promoting quality meat. Choosing high-quality meat may be a little more expensive, but the taste and nutritional quality more than make up for the investment. Additionally, consuming less but better meat can have benefits for both personal health and the environment.

Ultimately, quality meat is the result of a well-managed supply chain, starting with responsible producers and ending with conscious consumer choices. Investing in high-quality meat not only provides a superior dining experience, but also supports sustainable and animal-friendly practices, which we strongly support.

Next time you sit down at the table, take the time to appreciate the story behind your plate of quality meat and trust EliteMeat.it - ​​a serious digital butcher , where you can find only quality meats, selected from all over the world according to the criteria of sustainability and respect for the animal.

So, are you a meat lover and would like to always try new types from all over the world?

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