Last Updated on May 23, 2023 by Shari Mason
When you go to the grocery store, you might see packages of chicken breasts that look like they have been bruised. Sometimes it can be hard to tell whether or not the package contains bruised chicken breasts.
This blog post will discuss bruising and how to tell if your chicken breast is bruised.
We will also provide some tips on how to prevent your chicken from becoming bruised in the first place.
Can There Be Bruises On Chicken Breast?
Yes, chicken breasts can get bruises. You probably imagine a black-and-blue mark on your skin when you think of bruising. But did you know that chicken breasts can also be bruised?
The chicken breast comprises muscle tissue like your arm’s or leg’s fleshy part. And when that muscle tissue is damaged, blood vessels can leak and cause bruising.
So, how do chicken breasts get bruised? There are a few different ways.
First, the chicken may have been mishandled during processing. If the bird was dropped or roughly handled, it could result in bruises on the meat.
Second, if the chicken is frozen and thawed too quickly, the ice crystals can damage the muscle tissue and cause bruising.
Finally, if the chicken was cooked too roughly or quickly, the heat could cause the muscle tissue to contract and lead to bruising.
Fortunately, bruises are not dangerous and pose no threat to your health. However, they can affect the quality of your meat. Bruised meat is often tougher and less flavorful than its new counterpart.
So, if you’re looking for the best-tasting chicken breast, be sure to choose a cut that is free of bruises.
Read: How Long To Bake Chicken Breast At 350?
Is It Safe To Eat Bruised Chicken Breast?
Yes. It is safe to eat bruised chicken breast [1]. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, make sure that the bruises are not deep or bleeding. If they are, it’s best to discard the chicken.
Second, avoid eating any bruised areas that are close to the bone. These areas may contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Finally, cook the chicken thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria. When in doubt, throw it out. Bruised chicken breast is perfectly safe if you take a few precautions.
Read: Can You Eat Cold Cooked Chicken?
Why Does Your Raw Chicken Look Purple?
You may have noticed that your raw chicken sometimes looks purple. While this may be alarming at first, it’s quite normal.
This is because chicken meat contains a protein called myoglobin, which gives it its characteristic red color.
When exposed to oxygen, myoglobin turns red. However, the myoglobin will remain purple if the chicken is not exposed to oxygen.
“Eat fried chicken every day as the angels go sailing by.”
– Ella Fitzgerald, ‘Cabin In The Sky
So, if you see a raw chicken that looks purple, don’t be alarmed – it’s still safe to eat. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before eating.
Read: How Long Does Vacuum-Sealed Chicken Last In The Fridge?
How To Tell If It Is Bruised?
One way to tell if chicken breast is bruised is to look for color changes. It may be bruised if the meat is discolored or has unusual-looking markings.
Another way to tell if the chicken is bruised is to feel for lumps or bumps. Gently press on the surface of the meat with your fingers. If you feel any hard spots, the chicken is likely bruised.
Finally, listen for a popping sound when you press on the chicken. If you hear a pop, the chicken has been damaged and is no longer safe to eat.
Read: What Are The Red Spots On Chicken Meat?
Tips On How To Prevent Bruising In Chicken Breast
First, be sure to use a sharp knife when cutting the meat. A dull knife is more likely to crush the flesh, which can lead to bruising.
Second, avoid using too much pressure when handling the chicken. Apply enough pressure to keep the meat in place while cutting it.
Finally, ensure that your work surface is clean and debris-free. Any dirt or grit on the surface can cause the chicken to bruise.
FAQs
Can you eat bruised chicken wings?
Yes. Bruised chicken wings are safe to eat but may not taste very good. The bruising can cause the chicken meat to become tough and dry. It’s best to discard any wings that have extensive bruising.
Is it okay for a chicken to have purple spots?
Yes, it is okay for a chicken to have purple spots as long as the spots are not slimy or bloody. The purple spots are caused by a pigment called anthocyanin, also found in red cabbage and eggplant.
Anthocyanin is a natural antioxidant that can help protect the bird from bacteria and other toxins. It also gives some types of chicken their reddish or purplish color.
Can you eat discolored chicken breast?
Not really. Eating discolored chicken breast is generally not a good idea, as this may indicate that the meat is spoiled.
Discolored or slimy chicken should be thrown away, as it may contain harmful bacteria that can make you sick.
In Conclusion
So, can chicken breasts be bruised? Unfortunately, the answer is yes.
However, if you handle your chicken carefully and cook it properly, you can avoid any negative effects of bruising.
You can enjoy delicious, healthy chicken breast without problems with a little care and attention.
Reference:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1056617119309213/
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