While there was a huge move from using a local butchers shop to getting meat and all food at supermarkets a few decades ago, today more people are moving back to a good butcher, because of the quality, the service and better knowing where the meat comes from. If you are looking for Perth meat, or a better array of good tasting meat and meat platters anywhere, there are some tips here that will help you when you shop.

One of the great things about a local meat shop is the array of products, platters, and smallgoods you can find. But before you start grabbing the closest Perth meat platter remember to check some things out including

• The packaging is properly sealed
• It is not out of date
• If you are buying a frozen product that it is properly frozen
• Fat is not yellowing and the meat has not turned brown or purple – you want white bones, white fat and pink meat
• There is no bad smell coming from it
• You know where the meat has come from
• The package is labeled with information you need like description, weight, expiry, and price
• If you are looking for organic meat it should be certified as such

If you are looking for specific meats on a platter, ask your butcher ahead of time to prepare a Perth meat platter and they are likely to do so, that is one of the advantages to using a butcher over a supermarket. Take a cooler with you to help ensure your meat stays chilled until you get home, especially if you are going to be out for a while or stopping somewhere after the butchers.

Keeping quality Perth meat in optimum conditions

When at home to keep your meat fresh and lasts until its expiry date make sure you follow the proper storage instructions. Keep the meat separate from other items in the freezer so that it does not drip onto them. Do not store cooked meat with raw meat to avoid contamination. It tends to work out less expensive to buy meat in larger quantities and divide into smaller ones when you are home. Freezing meat in small portions ensures the quality of the meat is maintained, just put a note on the packages with the date so you know when you put them in the freezer. Make sure both your fridge and the freezer are at the ideal temperatures.

When you are thawing your meat and meat platters, move it from the freezer to the refrigerator until it is completely defrosted. It does take longer to defrost but it is the safest way, meat left on the counter to defrost can be a health risk. Never re-freeze meat once it has been defrosted even the better quality meat from a good butcher shop.