Going to a butcher shop is a great way to ensure you get the right cut of meat for each meal, but your butcher can also provide you with lots of information that can help you improve the taste and quality of the meats you serve to your family. When you know the right questions to ask your butcher, you'll learn more about the foods you eat and how to prepare them. Here are just a few questions to ask your butcher when you purchase meats and poultry.

Where Does The Meat Come From?

Choosing meats that come from local farmers is a great way to support your local economy. Since many butchers deal directly with local farms and slaughterhouses, you can feel good about the purchases you make at the local butcher shop. Buying local also typically means that the meat is fresh, as it hasn't had to travel as far to get to you.

How Should I Prepare The Meat?

Different cuts of meat require different cooking temperatures and cooking techniques. Your butcher can walk you through the best way to prepare each cut of beef, pork or chicken to ensure tender, juicy results. He or she may even offer suggestions about which types of side dishes or wines to serve with each type of meat, making it easier for you to select a meal that is a treat for the senses. Be sure to ask how to store the meat before it is prepared, as some meats are better to freeze than others.

Can You Trim The Meat For Me?

Butchers can trim your favorite cuts of steak for you for optimum flavor, so don't be afraid to ask for a piece to be trimmed before you purchase it. You can also ask your butcher to tackle other food prep steps for you, such as cubing meat for a roast, butterflying thick steak cuts or deboning a side of beef. These extra steps may or may not cost extra, depending on your butcher shop, but they can save you considerable time and effort when you go to prepare your meal.

Your butcher is an expert in his or her craft. Unlike going to a supermarket and picking up a pre-packaged piece of meat, a trip to the butcher shop gives you a custom piece that is cut specifically to your tastes and tailored to the recipe you'll be using it for. Remember to ask these questions to ensure you get the right type of meat to fit your needs. Contact a company like Custom Quality Meats for more information.