When Shopping for Beef, If You See These Signs, Absolutely Do Not Buy It

1. The Beef Is Watery

Some vendors inject water into beef to increase its weight and make it appear fresher and more appealing. When you pick up such a piece, it feels unusually heavy, and the surface looks moist and smooth. When buying, press your finger into the meat to check—if water seeps out, it’s a clear sign the beef has been pumped with water. That’s also why you often see a cloth at meat stalls: sellers use it to wipe off excess water from the meat.

2. The Meat Lacks Elasticity

Press lightly on the beef with your finger. If the indentation stays sunken and doesn’t quickly return to its original shape, you should be cautious. This indicates the meat is no longer fresh. Meat that has been stored for too long loses firmness and elasticity, meaning its quality has deteriorated and it may be unsafe to eat.

When buying, choose pieces with good bounce-back — the pressed spot should spring back almost immediately.

3. The Meat Has No Characteristic Scent

Raw beef typically has a faint, slightly gamey smell when you bring it close to your nose. However, pork disguised as beef often lacks this distinct scent. Some sellers may claim the meat has been pre-processed, which is why there’s no smell — do not believe this.

Additionally, if the beef has a sour, stale, or strange odor of any kind, you should absolutely avoid it.

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Tips for Storing Beef

• If you plan to use it within 1–2 days: Store the beef at a temperature between 0–4°C (32–39°F).

• For longer storage: Freeze it at –18°C (0°F) for best preservation.