Today’s supermarket’s meat is vacuum packed in huge volumes. This not only keeps the meat safe from contaminants but also extends the product’s shelf life. However, when vacuum-sealed meat is opened, it can have an unusual odor.
This odor could be completely natural, or it could indicate that it may spoil the heart. Let’s have a look at how you can identify the difference.
When vacuum-sealed meat is opened, why does it smell strange? Meat that has been vacuum packed is enclosed in an oxygen-free pouch.
During storage, the natural juices within the meat can begin to discolor and create a tangy odor. This odor is produced when the bag is opened, although it is unlikely to be caused by spoiling if the meat has been stored correctly and is still within its use-by date.
How to Get Rid Of Smell
As previously stated, it’s normal for your vacuum-sealed meat to have a smell when you first open the container. You might notice some discoloration as well since the meat will appear darker than usual.
The beef product should be gently rinse in clean, fresh water and press dry to help remove the smell.
In a bowl of water, do this “gently,” being careful not to splash the water, as the meat fluids may inadvertently transfer bacteria to nearby work surfaces.
This is why you should never rinse chickens or other poultry under running water!
What to Do If Meats Smells Bad
As you are probably aware, a tangy Sulpher scent is not uncommon, and if you follow the previous instructions, the smell should go away before you cook it.
However, the meat may have spoiled in some cases, which should not be consumed under any circumstances.
The following are some methods for determining whether or not the meat has spoiled:
Before You Open It, Be Sure The Seal Is Solid
Check to see if the vacuum-packed meat is still well sealed in the pouch when you take it out of the fridge. If the heart inside the bag is loose, the air has flown in.
If there are any signs of leaking juices or the pouch seems slack against the meat, the seal has most likely been damaged, and air has gotten into the bag, spoiling the meat.
When you come to open the pouch, it should still pull it tight against the meat.
Check The Meat’s Color
After rinsing and patting the meat and leaving it to stand for 30 minutes, the natural color should return to the meat.
If the meat seems to be a grey or brown unnatural color after 30 minutes and still has an offensive odor, it has most likely been ruined.
Does the Meat Have a Slimy or Sticky Texture
Meat has a naturally moist feel, but it’s a pleasant one.
If the meat has a foul smell and feels sticky or slimy when you remove it from the sealed pouch to rinse it, it is most likely spoiled.
You can try to rinse the meat at this point, but if it still smells and is discolored after resting, it has ruined and should be destroyed.
How Could the Meat Be Bad If It Was Sealed
If you’ve had the unfortunate opening vacuum-sealed meat that has spoiled but is still edible, there are a few possibilities.
Air Hole That Goes Unnoticed
A vacuum-sealed product may appear to be still sealed at times, yet a small air hole may have enabled oxygen to enter the packet.
This hole will be large enough to allow spoilage germs to multiply but not large enough to loosen the pouch surrounding the meat.
An air hole can form for various causes, including the original heat seal failing to close the bag entirely, a tiny crinkle during sealing, a minute hole in the pouch used before sealing, or a minute hole pierced after filling.
Insufficient Storage
Bacteria can spread if the food has been out of the cold chain for more than 30 minutes or has been stored at a temperature higher than 5°C/40°F. This might have happened before or after the meat was packed.
It only takes one refrigerator or refrigerated delivery truck to have a unit that doesn’t keep cold long enough for spoiling to begin.
Meat that has been stored above the load level in a grocery aisle display, in your shopping cart, or on your way home for more than 30 minutes will also shorten its shelf life.
Conclusion
During cooking, fresh meat has a delicious aroma that will make your mouth swim (assuming you are not a vegetarian!).
We’ve all drooled at the smell of roasting chicken, meat, or lamb in the oven.
However, if the fragrance you’re getting while it’s cooking isn’t exactly enticing, if it’s unpleasant, then you probably shouldn’t consume it.
It’s probably wrong if it smelled terrible before cooking and smells bad while cooking.
