Those White Stripes On Chicken Breasts Aren't What You Think

Ever pick up a package of chicken breasts and notice small white stripes across the meat? At first thought, you might assume that the minor demarcation might be tendons or cartilage that won't affect the taste or quality of your recipe. Right? Maybe you should think twice before placing it in your shopping cart. That's because those white stripes happen when there's too much fat within the chicken's flesh.

Before you roll your eyes and assume this is another article about the merits of a low-fat diet, let us introduce you to something known as woody chicken. White striping occurs when chickens are cultivated to grow faster and produce larger cuts of meat, especially the lighter breast meat. Some researchers have speculated that a monotonous diet and lack of exercise prevalent amongst factory-farmed chickens is behind the syndrome.

Technically, white striping means the meat is still okay to eat, as it only affects the taste or texture of the chicken. Of course, most shoppers would agree those are pretty major factors when safety isn't at stake. That's reason enough for cooks like celeb chef Ina Garten to choose smaller chickens for her recipes.

Chicken breasts with white stripes pose no health risks when you consume them. If it's used in slow-cooked dishes, you may be able to combat at least some of the texture issues. If you don't want to cook your meal for hours or deal with a possibly less flavorful dish, there are measures you can take to avoid buying white-striped chicken meat.

Since researchers believe that fast growth is behind the white stripe condition, shoppers could choose to purchase chicken from sources that emphasize optimal breeding and animal welfare. Look for free-range chicken or consider shopping with a butcher who has a deeper knowledge of where meat is sourced than your local grocery meat department employee. A well-informed butcher could be able to point you in the right direction, though your meat budget could also increase. Also, avoid retailers known for selling woody chicken, though a relatively recent exchange with Costco's CEO concerning woody chicken breasts reveals that it's a far-ranging issue affecting more than just one grocery chain.