What are the metallic green spots I find on meat?!
What are the metallic green spots I find on meat?
I usually see green metallic looking spots on red meat like steaks & such I find at the supermarket. Today, they were all over a pack of chicken lunch meat, that wasn't set to expire for another month. What exactly are these spots?
Answers:
Those irridescent spots are usually caused from exposure to oxygen, not from some nasty bacteria. Your meat is still healthy, but if you're the least bit worried, microwave your lunchmeat for at least 45 seconds to kill any pathogenic bacteria.
i don't know what it is, but i've only ever noticed it on roast beef.
Many meats do this strange thing that causes them to have an oily substance on them. It's just a natural thing that happens with certain meats, and I believe it's actually just the natural juices and fats of the meat. Though I've heard of this happening on ham and sliced turkey and chicken, I've never heard of it occurring on red meat. You're best bet would be to ask the grocery store's butcher about it - he'd be the expert on red meat.
However, I assume that if you've been eating the steaks and chicken and have had no food poisoning affects that it's not something to really worry about. I'm sorry I cannot provide the specific name for the effect - I used to know but have since forgotten. I keep wanting to use the term "marbling" but I think that's something different entirely.
Also, for the reference of others who may live in Hawaii or are planning to move, be very careful about your meat and milk. Much if this is shipped in from the mainland in refrigerated containers on cargo ships, and tend to expire, in my experience, several days to a week before the date stamped.
RETIRED FROM CORRECTIONS IN 2001---WE USED TO CALL IT "MYSTERY MEAT"---'CUZ IT WAS A "MYSTERY" AS TO WHAT IT WAS!!!