|
The wing contains a lot of bone and
is considered white meat. There are three sections of a wing. The
flat wing tip and drumette are closest to the body and contain the
most meat. The wing tip is the outermost section of the wing and is
often removed before sale. |
The leg is made up of
the thigh (top part of the leg), and drumstick (lower part of the
leg). You can usually purchase the entire leg or just the thigh or
drumstick separately. The leg is considered dark meat and has more
fat content than white meat, but is more flavorful and does not dry
out when overcooked, as does while meat. |
|
The wing contains a lot of bone and
is considered white meat. There are three sections of a wing. The
flat wing tip and drumette are closest to the body and contain the
most meat. The wing tip is the outermost section of the wing and is
often removed before sale. |
The leg is made up of
the thigh (top part of the leg), and drumstick (lower part of the
leg). You can usually purchase the entire leg or just the thigh or
drumstick separately. The leg is considered dark meat and has more
fat content than white meat, but is more flavorful and does not dry
out when overcooked, as does while meat. |
PURCHASING POULTRY
You can purchase fresh, frozen or previously frozen poultry. A
previously frozen bird has been frozen and then thawed for sale.
Previously frozen poultry should not be refrozen before it is cooked.
When purchasing fresh poultry, look for birds that are moist and plump,
without a strong odor.
The color of skin on a chicken can range from white to yellow, but you
should avoid chicken with skin that looks transparent or blotchy.
Turkey skin should always be cream-colored. |
WHOLE POULTRY
Turkeys, chickens and game hens are commonly sold as whole birds.
Turkeys usually weigh between 8 and 24 pounds and are usually roasted.
Two types of chickens that are most commonly sold whole are roasters
and broilers, or fryers. Roasters weigh 3 1/2 to 6 pounds and are
usually served roasted, stewed or braised. Broilers, or fryers, weigh 2
to 5 pounds and are best when roasted, sautéed or fried.
Rock Cornish game hens weigh under 2 pounds and are perfectly sized for
one person. These birds are often roasted, sautéed or braised.
When you purchase a whole bird, the giblets are generally packaged
together and inserted in the cavity of a whole chicken. The giblets
include the neck, heart, liver and gizzard. |
STORING POULTRY
You can store fresh, raw poultry in its original wrapping in the bottom
of the refrigerator. To prevent leaks, wrap the package in plastic or
aluminum foil. The poultry will keep this way for two or three days.
You can keep whole birds in the freezer for up to 12 months, poultry
pieces for up to 9 months and ground poultry for 3 to 4 months. |
