It can be quite overwhelming to select a particular type of meat from the wide variety of different cuts and colors of meat available at a butchers' shop. Buying from a butchers' shop can be a very different experience, especially if you are used to buying from supermarkets.

Here are a few tips that can help you select the best meat from your favorite butcher's shop.

1. Research for a reputable butcher

Don't walk into any random butcher's shop and purchase the meat that you like at first glance. It is important to research beforehand about a particular business. You can try out online reviews or conduct a test visit to understand their treatment for you as a customer. It is not important to find the cheapest butcher but someone who does their job well and is dependable on a long-term basis.

2. Don't hold back your questions

Don't be shy to ask questions when you are purchasing meat. It is your right as a consumer to ask questions about the topics that you are concerned about. It could be about how the animals were raised or what was their diet. It could be where they were brought from and where they grass-fed or raised without antibiotics.

You can also check for labels and certifications such as organic, free-range, grass-fed, pasture-raised, etc., for understanding the animal practices followed at the shop.

3. Choose to Buy Local

Local Agribusiness economies can benefit largely if customers choose to buy their meats from local butchers' shops. When customers shop from local butchers' shops, it helps pump money into the local revenue streams like farmers, mills, ranchers, butchers, and chefs. It will also help other local butchers in your community thrive in their business.

4. See, Smell and Touch before your Buy

The meat's color can say a lot. Avoid purchasing meat that has a pale or faded color. A fresh piece of meat would be either red or pink. For example, a fresh cut of pork would be pinkish, and a fresh cut of beef would be dark red.

When you touch the meat, it should be firm and not soggy or tough.  Also, it should not have any odor. Always buy meat that has the right color and looks fresh. Even when you purchase vacuum-packed meat, make sure it does not have any excess water or tears in the packaging.

5. Try Something New

It is essential to keep trying something new. Don't hesitate to try meats that you haven't grown up eating.

Lesser-known cuts like the thin-cut flank steak or pork collar can be tried for starts. A local butcher can help you choose the best new meat you can try. Butchers are loaded with knowledge about techniques, recipes, tools, tips, planning and buying on a budget.

After you purchase meat from a local butcher, it is equally vital to cook the meat well. To buy meat processing essentials at pocket-friendly rates, you can visit the Brennan Group and place your order.