Dragging yourself through errands after a long day is exhausting, and planning meals for the week on top of that feels like a full-time job. The last thing anyone needs is extra stress while picking ingredients. If mutton is part of your menu, then buying the freshest, top-quality meat is a must. Makes sense, right? Because let us face it, the entire flavour of your dish depends on how good your meat is. So, how can you confidently choose fresh mutton in the middle of a crowded market rush? You might be surprised - it is not that hard.
With a few simple checks, you can skip the guesswork, avoid dodgy cuts, and bring home mutton that is fresh, tender, tasty, and ready for your recipe. Whether it is for mutton curry or mutton biryani, make sure you are starting with the best-quality meat first.
Also Read: Mutton Not Soft Enough? Try This Raw Papaya Hack To Tenderise It Instantly
Here Are 6 Easy Checks To Know If Your Mutton Is Fresh:
1. Colour Check
Fresh mutton has a deep red colour that looks bright and moist. Avoid anything that looks dull, greyish, or dry. These are signs the meat has been sitting out too long or stored badly. It could have lost its freshness or been exposed to unsafe conditions, both of which increase the risk of spoilage.
2. Smell Test
Fresh mutton will smell clean and mildly meaty. A strong, sour, or ammonia-like smell is a solid warning sign. That kind of odour usually means the meat is spoiled. When in doubt, rely on your nose - it is one of the most accurate ways to check meat freshness.
3. Touch It - The Feel Tells A Lot
Fresh mutton should be firm and springy. If it feels mushy or too soft, it is not your best pick. Press your finger lightly into the meat - if it bounces back, that means it is fresh. If the dent stays, the meat may be old or poorly stored. Time to move on.
4. Bone Size Can Tell You The Age
For soft, juicy mutton that cooks well, go for meat from a younger goat. Unsure how to check? Look at the bones - smaller, rounded bones usually mean younger, tender meat. Large, thick bones can be a sign of older animals, which usually means tougher meat.
5. Fat Test - What It Should Look Like
Fat brings flavour, but only if it is fresh. Look for mutton with clean, white or creamy fat. If the fat has a yellow tint, that is a clue that it is from an older animal or has been in the freezer too long. This can mess with both the taste and texture of your dish.
6. Check The Cut
The way mutton is cut says a lot about how it has been handled. Pick cuts that are even-sized with smooth edges and little to no mess. If the meat looks roughly chopped or has too many bone bits, it probably means the butchering was rushed or careless, which can affect your cooking.
Also Read:Meat Lover's Shopping Guide: Things To Keep In Mind While Buying Meat
Final Thoughts
Every good dish starts with the right ingredients, and picking fresh mutton is a big part of that. If you are ever unsure, ask your butcher for help. They can guide you on which cut works best for your recipe, whether it is a slow-cooked roast, a spicy curry, or a rich biryani. Buying mutton should not feel like guesswork, and with these tips, it will not.