How to Buy Chicken Free From Added Salt Water and Salt Solutions

When purchasing chicken, it's important to ensure that the meat is free from added salt water and other solutions. This practice, also known as solution injecting, can affect the flavor and texture of the meat. Below are detailed steps to help you find chicken that hasn't been treated with salt water or similar additives.

Read Labels

The simplest way to determine if your chicken has been treated with salt water or other additives is to read the labels carefully. Look for terms such as:

No added solutions Free range No saline injection No preservatives

Buy Organic

Organic chicken is less likely to be injected with salt water or other solutions. Always check for the USDA organic seal, which guarantees that the chicken meets strict organic standards. Organic chickens are raised without the use of antibiotics and hormones and are fed organic feed.

Visit Local Farms

Purchasing directly from local farms or farmers markets ensures you are getting chicken without added solutions. Many farms take pride in their transparency and are happy to discuss their practices with customers. Ask the farmer about their practices if you have any concerns.

Choose Whole Chickens

Whole chickens are less likely to be injected with salt water compared to pre-cut or processed chicken parts. This is because the entire chicken can be inspected for moisture content, and any added solutions can be detected more easily.

Ask Butchers

If you're buying from a butcher shop, don't hesitate to ask if their chickens have been injected with any solutions. Many reputable butchers can provide this information or can source chickens that meet your specific requirements.

Check Store Brands

Some grocery store brands offer products specifically labeled as free from added solutions. These labels often come with additional trust, ensuring that the chicken you are purchasing does not contain any preservatives or salt water.

However, it's worth noting that not all poultry processors adhere to these practices. For instance, the UK-based Westbridge Food Group is importing raw frozen Brazilian chicken to which salt or a mix of corn oil and salt has already been added. This practice can affect the weight and flavor of the chicken before it reaches the consumer.

Understanding Chickens and Solution Injecting

It's also worth understanding why solution injecting is used. In some poultry farming practices, chickens may be fed salty feed, which makes them drink more water before being weighed for sale. In the ASEAN region, chickens are commonly sold by weight alive, not after slaughter, defeathering, and de-gutting. This practice ensures that the moisture content is evenly distributed throughout the body.

Injecting water directly into the chicken is unlikely to work effectively, as only a small amount is absorbed by the meat. Any excess water that is not absorbed can accumulate in spots and flow out. Therefore, the practice of injecting salt or saline solutions into the chicken is less effective in the long run.

Purchasing Options

To find the best quality chicken, try the following:

Shop at farm shops. For example, a farm shop like C Bob Harvey is not unique but can provide high-quality chicken. Other options include Grasmere Farm and Uncle Henrys.

Speak to butchers. Reputable butchers can source chickens that are free from added solutions. Try places like Ancaster Butchers or A. Wright Son.

Buy from game dealers. They can provide excellent quality birds, especially if you are looking for game meats.

If you are at a gastropub, ask the chef where they source their chicken. A decent gastropub will be able to provide reliable sources.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you purchase high-quality chicken that meets your preferences for no added salt water or solutions.