Chicken is a food ingredient often used in various recipes, from traditional dishes to Western-style cooking. Not only is it easy to prepare, but chicken is also affordable and widely available. Do you also frequently cook with chicken? If so, it’s important to know the characteristics of fresh chicken, so your dishes are not only tastier but also safer to consume. 

Characteristics of Fresh Chicken 

Why is it important to know the characteristics of fresh chicken? 

Consuming spoiled chicken can be very dangerous! Chicken that is no longer fresh can cause food poisoning, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever. This happens because harmful bacteria like Salmonella or Campylobacter can grow in spoiled chicken. 

In severe cases, food poisoning can lead to dehydration or more serious health problems. So, prevent these unwanted issues by choosing chicken with these characteristics: 

1. Bright and Evenly Colored Chicken 

One of the clearest signs of fresh chicken is its color. Fresh chicken typically has a slightly pinkish white color, evenly spread from the skin to the meat. The skin looks slightly shiny, with no bruising or discoloration like black or blue marks. 

Avoid buying chicken that appears too pale or even yellowish. Pale color may indicate that the chicken is no longer fresh, while yellowish meat is often the result of artificial coloring or poor processing. 

2. Firm and Elastic Texture 

Fresh chicken has a firm and elastic texture. When pressed with a finger, the meat quickly returns to its original shape. If the meat feels mushy, breaks easily, or doesn’t bounce back after being pressed, it means the chicken is no longer fresh. 

Such texture indicates that the chicken has been stored for too long or has started to spoil. 

3. Fresh, Non-Fishy Odor 

Another sign of fresh chicken is its very mild, almost odorless scent. If you detect a fishy, sour, or rotten smell, it’s a clear sign that the chicken is no longer safe to consume. 

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4. No Slimy Film on the Surface 

Fresh chicken will have a slightly moist surface but should not be slimy. If you find chicken with a slick or slimy surface, it’s best to avoid buying it. This slime could indicate that the meat has started to spoil. 

5. Intact, Unbroken Bones 

Fresh chicken typically has intact, unbroken bones. The bones of fresh chicken tend to be white or pale cream in color. Avoid buying chicken with dark or discolored bones or those with dried blood stains. 

6. No Dried Blood on the Surface 

Fresh blood is usually bright red and liquid. But if you notice dried blood on the surface of the chicken, it could be a sign that the chicken has been stored for too long. 

Enhance Your Chicken Dishes with FiberCreme 

Now that you know how to select fresh chicken, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen! 

There are plenty of chicken-based dishes you can make. Need ideas? Check out Instagram @FiberCreme_TV or subscribe to the Ellenka channel on YouTube for inspiring recipe ideas. 

And whatever chicken dish you decide to make, be sure to add FiberCreme to it. With its high fiber content, low sugar, and 0 mg of cholesterol, FiberCreme is the perfect choice to create healthier and more delicious meals.