12 Facts About Meat

Meat is important to the food industry and to economies and cultures around the world.

Meat can be broadly classified as "red" or "white" depending on the concentration of myoglobin in muscle fibre.

Meat is produced by killing an animal and cutting flesh out of it.

Meat imitates are typically some form of processed soybean, but they can be based on wheat gluten, pea protein isolate, or even fungi (quorn).

Meat consumption is considered one of the primary contributors of the sixth mass extinction.

Meat can be kept edible for a much longer time – though not indefinitely – if proper hygiene is observed during production and processing, and if appropriate food safety, food preservation and food storage procedures are applied.

Meat is prepared in many ways, as steaks, in stews, fondue, or as dried meat like beef jerky.

Meat can be cured by pickling, preserving in salt or brine.

Meat is generally eaten cooked, but many recipes call for raw beef, veal or fish.

Meat is often spiced or seasoned, particularly with meat products such as sausages.

Meat can transmit certain diseases, but complete cooking and avoiding recontamination reduces this possibility.

Meat is part of the human diet in most cultures, where it often has symbolic meaning and important social functions.