Avoid these chicken parts for a healthier, safer soup
When the temperature outside drops, soups come into play. They warm you up perfectly and also taste good when reheated. It's worth ensuring they are not only tasty but also healthy.
The foundation of every soup is an essential broth typically made from meat and vegetables. While vegetables are usually not problematic, choosing the right meat can be more challenging. Often, poultry is the choice, and it suits almost all soups. However, some parts that shouldn't end up on our tables can be tempting due to their attractive price.
The worst meat for soup
Nothing is more comforting on cold days than a fragrant, homemade soup. It's a delicious meal and a source of many vitamins and minerals that strengthen our bodies. However, to ensure the soup is both tasty and safe, it's essential to pay attention to the quality of the ingredients.
Although chicken is a popular choice for making broth, not all of its parts are equally safe. Experts warn against consuming the head, lungs, and rear end of a chicken, as harmful substances and parasites may accumulate in these parts. Even long cooking times may not always ensure their complete removal.
The head may contain high levels of heavy metals, hormones, and other harmful substances that can negatively affect our bodies. Offal contains a lot of fat and protein, which can cause the broth to become cloudy when cooked.
How to choose meat for soup?
By choosing high-quality meat from safe parts, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy soup. Red meat with bones, such as brisket or beef ribs, is a good choice. It is rich in collagen, which gives the broth a gelatinous consistency and benefits joints and skin. Duck is also an option, providing the broth with a deep, dark colour and distinctive taste. It's worth noting that both beef and duck are sources of iron, essential for the proper functioning of the body.
If you prefer a lighter taste, go for poultry such as chicken or turkey. Poultry meat is usually leaner and easier to digest. Drumsticks, breasts, or wings will work well in this context.
