Why Do Butchers Cover Pork with a Cloth? Many Regular Shoppers Still Don’t Know This

When visiting the market, you may have noticed that butchers often cover pork with a cloth, frequently wiping the meat counter with it or tucking it into their aprons. Here’s why that piece of cloth is commonly used:

1. To Keep the Meat Fresh Longer

The cloth helps protect the meat from sunlight, dust, wind, and insects like flies and mosquitoes, making it more hygienic. Exposure to air causes the meat to lose moisture and spoil faster. Additionally, flies are attracted to the smell of meat, making it unappealing to customers. Covering the meat with a cloth acts as a barrier, keeping it fresh for a longer time.

2. To Protect Meat from Heat

When displayed outdoors, meat can spoil quickly under direct sunlight. A damp cloth helps cool the meat by reducing the temperature and shielding it from the sun’s rays. This simple method helps preserve the meat’s quality even in hot weather.

3. To Prevent Moisture Loss

In dry conditions, meat can lose water, causing it to appear dark and less fresh, with reduced elasticity. By covering it with a cloth, moisture retention is improved, keeping the meat looking plump and appealing. Moreover, moisture loss leads to weight reduction, which is a disadvantage for sellers. Using a cloth helps slow down evaporation and maintains the meat's weight and freshness.

4. To Wipe Away Excess Liquid

Meat naturally releases juices, which can accumulate on the counter, making it appear messy. If the meat has been injected with water to increase its weight, the excess liquid will be more noticeable. Regularly wiping the surface with a cloth helps keep the counter clean and prevents odors that attract flies. This is why butchers always have a piece of cloth on hand.

What to Look Out for When Buying Meat

• Check the cloth’s cleanliness: A dirty, moldy, or fly-covered cloth suggests poor hygiene. If the cloth is not washed frequently, it can spread bacteria to the meat instead of protecting it.
• Observe how the butcher handles the cloth: If the cloth is excessively wet and the seller wipes the counter often—especially after cutting a piece of meat—it may indicate that the meat has been thawed or injected with water to increase its weight.
• Use both visual and behavioral cues: Instead of just looking at the meat, pay attention to how the butcher uses the cloth. A well-maintained, clean cloth and proper handling are signs of a more careful and hygienic seller.

Being mindful of these details can help you choose fresher, higher-quality meat while shopping at the market.