How to choose and store chicken feet to keep them fresh and not slimy

foto: Freepik/mrsiraphol

With the right steps, chicken feet can remain fresh and of good quality, so that the cooking results are more delicious and healthy.

Brilio.net - Chicken feet are one of the ingredients that are often used in various dishes, from soup, soto, to crispy chicken feet chips. However, because they have a soft texture and are rich in collagen, chicken feet are also easily damaged if not stored properly. Therefore, it is important to know how to choose fresh chicken feet and store them with the right method so that they last a long time. With the right steps, chicken feet can remain fresh and of high quality, so that the cooking results are more delicious and healthy.

When buying chicken feet , there are several things to consider in order to get the best quality. Here is the explanation summarized by BrilioFood from various sources.

1. Pay attention to color
- Choose chicken feet that are pure white or slightly pink.
- Avoid chicken feet that are bluish in color or have black spots, because that is a sign that they are not fresh.

2. Check the texture and elasticity
- Fresh chicken feet have a chewy texture and are not soft.
- When pressed, the meat should return to its original shape.

3. Not slimy and does not have a strong odor
- Fresh chicken feet do not have excess mucus on the surface.
- Avoid chicken feet that smell sour or fishy, because that is a sign that they are starting to rot.

4. Condition of nails and skin
- Choose chicken feet that still have intact skin and are not easily peeled off.
- If the claw is still attached, make sure it is clean and not black.

After getting fresh chicken feet, proper storage is very important so that they do not spoil quickly. Here is how to store chicken feet properly:

1. Wash and clean thoroughly
- Wash the feet with running water to remove dirt and remaining blood.
- Can be soaked briefly in salt water or lime juice to reduce the fishy smell.

2. Separate into small portions
- Before storing, separate the chicken feet into several portions so that they are easy to use as needed.

3. Use an airtight container or ziplock plastic.
- Store in an airtight container to avoid contamination from other ingredients in the refrigerator.
- If using ziplock plastic, make sure the air is removed before closing it tightly.

4. Storage in the refrigerator or freezer
- In the refrigerator (chiller): Can last 1-2 days if stored at a temperature of 0-4C.
- In the Freezer: If you want it to last longer, store it in the freezer at a temperature of -18C to last up to 3 months.

5. Use the vacuum technique for longer durability
- If possible, use a vacuum to remove air from the package before freezing.

6. Do not defrost and refreeze frequently
- Avoid frequently removing the feet from the freezer and refreezing them, as this can damage the texture.

When you want to process frozen chicken feet, there are several ways to defrost them to maintain their quality:

- Use a Chiller: Move the chicken feet from the freezer to the chiller and let them sit for a few hours until they thaw slowly.

- Use Running Water: Soak in a container filled with running water for 10-15 minutes until soft enough.

- Avoid Thawing at Room Temperature: Allowing chicken feet to thaw at room temperature can cause bacteria to grow faster.

(brl/tin)