Should ribs have an odor when you first open them?
morning all:
i have noticed on 2 different occasions I open pork from reputable grocers and they have a bit of an odor. I can't believe that's normal. Both instances, ribs and tenderloin, were packed in that real tight fitting plastic. In other words, not in the styrofoam tray with cling wrap over the top. Is this normal?
thanks,
What brand were they? Were they the same brand each time? I'm just thinking if you mention which kind they were, people will be able to share what their experience has been with the same and hopefully you can figure out what's "normal."
I notice it too sometimes, usually the cryovac ribs or butts from Costco. I almost always notice a very slight smell right when I break the bags seal, but after I rinse the meat off it goes away. In one (or maybe two) cases ribs continued to smell very bad and very noticeably. In fact the smell would hit me full on in the face an hour or so after I salted them and put them back into the fridge to dry brine. In those cases I brought them back to Costco and replaced them (with no issues from Costco). So a tiny bit right when opening is probably fine, but real strong or lasting real long and I personally wouldn't cook them.
Weber Summit Kamado with SnS and Vortex.. Broil King Baron, Primo Oval Junior. Primo XL. Love grilling steaks, ribs, and chicken. Need to master smoked salmon. Absolutely love anything to do with baking bread. Favorite cool weather beer: Sam Adams Octoberfest Favorite warm weather beer: Yuengling Traditional Lager. All-time favorite drink: Single Malt Scotch
Here is what I do when I get that smell, and it works: Rinse the ribs really well and then salt them down. Put them in the fridge for an hour or so. If the smell is gone, you're good to go. If the smell is still there, toss them.
Yep, unfortunately it is pretty normal especially with pork. Like stated above rinse them and check again. If it goes away with the rinse I am happy, if not I return them.
We've had this happen twice (over 2-3 years) with cryovac-ed rack of lamb from Costco. Pretty strong smell. We tossed 'em both times--an 80 mile trip (one way) for a refund wasn't in the cards. Haven't seen this with pork yet and we do buy ribs and tenderloins a lot. I'll follow this thread with great interest.
Yea I've had it with lamb as well. Also buy ground veal in a plastic container and there's almost always a funky smell. Never gotten ill from either one.
Equipment
Primo Oval xl
Slow n Sear (two)
Drip n Griddle
22" Weber Kettle
26" Weber Kettle one touch
Blackstone 36†Pro Series
Sous vide machine
Kitchen Aid
Meat grinder
sausage stuffer
5 Crock Pots Akootrimonts
Two chimneys (was 3 but rivets finally popped, down to 1)
cast iron pans,
Dutch ovens
Signals 4 probe, thermapens, chef alarms, Dots, thermapop and maverick T-732, RTC-600, pro needle and various pocket instareads. The help and preferences
1 extra fridge and a deep chest freezer in the garage
KBB
FOGO
A 9 year old princess foster child
Patience and old patio furniture
"Baby Girl" The cat
Thanks everyone. I'm worried since I'm in SFLA, they didn't stay cold enough with Irma. I usually don't buy ribs in cryovac packages but that's all they had
My thought is that this is not common at all--only twice in my life and we do buy Costco cryovac meat often--but evidently "normal" at times and is due to cryovac packaging. The linked article does note that if the smell persists the meat flavor will be tainted. I'll continue to toss strong smelling meat until I get better/stronger evidence that the smell is indeed not an indication of a health risk.
Comment