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Meat Fundamentals: What You Need to Know

Whether it's a juicy roast from the oven or a tender, pink steak grilled to perfection, meat is a true delight for most when prepared correctly. In our society, meat is an important component of our diet and still one of the primary sources of protein for humanity. Regardless of cultural differences, every country has its own specialties and methods of preparing meat.

Whether it's a juicy roast from the oven or a tender, pink steak grilled to perfection, meat is a true delight for most when prepared correctly. In our society, meat is an important component of our diet and still one of the primary sources of protein for humanity. Regardless of cultural differences, every country has its own specialties and methods of preparing meat.

In the kitchen, too, meat is a significant topic that requires mastery. To better understand the proper handling, one must first grasp the theory. Not every cut of meat is suitable for every cooking method, and the various types of meat have their differences and characteristics that must be considered during preparation.

In this chapter, we want to delve into the theory of meat before putting this knowledge into practice. How does each piece of meat’s muscle and fat content influence it? What makes meat tender or tougher, and where does its color come from? How can one identify fresh or properly aged meat? What is the most suitable cooking method for a particular cut of meat? We need to acquire all this knowledge as chefs to select the right piece of meat for the right cooking method, ultimately presenting the best result to the guest.

Meat in history

Since the beginning of our history, humans have been consuming meat. The earliest hunters and gatherers used fire to roast the animals they hunted, making them more digestible.

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I'm Martin, a chef with 20 years of international experience in gourmet restaurants worldwide. You'll find a collection of my favorite recipes, cooking techniques, and culinary guides. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just learning the basics, I'm here to accompany you on your culinary journey.