Poultry Buying Guide

When it comes to buying poultry, a good butcher will always be your best ally. I always prefer to buy my poultry free range from a traditional family butcher, or failing that, from the chilled meat counter of a good supermarket. The cost will be a little higher than buying intensively farmed, massed-produced poultry, but the flavour will be immeasurably better.

Always look for plump, healthy, clean birds with creamy, slightly pinkish skin and a fresh appearance. Check that the skin of whole birds or joints is intact and not torn in any way, and be wary of bruises, brown spots and any greenish patches on the surface.