Buying Meat in Canada

Your Comprehensive Guide to Buying Meat in Canada: Exploring Quality, Variety, and Specialty Options

The pursuit of buying quality meat in Canada opens up a plethora of options for consumers. The Canadian meat market is diverse, offering a variety of choices, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. Understanding where to purchase specific types of meat, considering both quality and cost, can significantly enhance your culinary experiences.

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How to Choose and Prep Meat cut for Nigerian cooking? Click here

Jollof Ribs lovers? Click here for a tasty recipe!

Overview of Canadian Meat Market

The Canadian meat market is rich and varied, providing a multitude of options for consumers seeking diverse and quality products. From large retail chains like Walmart and Superstore to specialized Asian Markets and local farms, each venue offers something unique to meet the diverse needs of the population.

Importance of Quality Meat

Quality meat is crucial for health and well-being, providing essential nutrients and proteins. Sourcing meat from reputable places ensures freshness, taste, and nutritional value, contributing to a balanced and wholesome diet.

Walmart: A Convenient Option to buy meat

Walmart stands as a convenient and accessible place for many Canadians seeking various meat types. The store’s extensive reach and competitive pricing make it a popular choice for everyday shopping.

Shank Region of Meat

The shank region of meat, particularly the leg, is a highlight at Walmart. Sold fresh, deboned, and meticulously packed, it offers a cost-effective solution for consumers looking for quality and convenience.

Chicken Options

In addition to the shank, Walmart is a go-to place for buying chicken. The chicken available is fresh, adding variety to the meat options present at this retail giant.

Pricing and Packaging

Walmart’s competitive pricing and efficient packaging make it a favored destination. Consumers can expect well-packaged products that retain freshness and quality.

Superstore: Variety of meats with Considerations

Superstore brings a variety of meat options to the table, with a particular focus on innards such as kidneys and liver. However, buyers should be mindful of certain considerations when shopping here.

Range of Innards

Superstore offers a range of innards, providing variety for those seeking these specific meat parts. The availability of different innards adds to the diversity of options for consumers.

Quality Considerations

While Superstore offers variety, there are quality considerations to bear in mind. For instance, shaki (towel) is usually bleached with chlorine, potentially affecting the taste.

Frozen Chicken Gizzard

The chicken gizzard sold at Superstore is predominantly frozen, which might be a consideration for those seeking fresh options.

Asian Markets: Freshness Guaranteed

For those in search of freshness and variety, Asian Markets are a prime destination. These markets guarantee fresh meat parts, ensuring quality and taste.

Diversity of Meat Parts

Asian Markets offer a diverse range of meat parts, including fresh shaki, gizzard, and hard chicken. This diversity caters to a wide audience, meeting varying consumer needs.

Freshness and Quality

The emphasis on freshness and quality is evident in Asian Markets. Consumers can expect fresh products that meet high quality standards, enhancing their culinary experiences.

Hard Chicken Availability

Hard chicken is readily available in Asian Markets, offering another option for those seeking diversity in their meat purchases.

Farms: Straight from the Source

For consumers looking to get as close to the source as possible, local farms are the ideal choice. Farms offer a range of fresh meat, including cow, chicken, and goats.

Types of Fresh Meat

Farms provide a plethora of fresh meat options. Consumers can find various meat types and parts, ensuring a comprehensive selection for diverse needs.

Sourcing Locally

Buying from farms supports local producers and guarantees freshness. It is a sustainable choice, promoting community engagement and local business growth.

Community Engagement

Sourcing meat from local farms fosters community engagement. Consumers can connect with local producers, learn more about the source of their food, and even participate in community-shared agriculture.

Comparison and Conclusion

Choosing the right place to buy meat in Canada depends on individual preferences, needs, and considerations for quality and price. Each venue – Walmart, Superstore, Asian Markets, and Farms – offers something unique. Balancing convenience, variety, quality, and price can help consumers make informed decisions and enjoy diverse, quality meat products.

Choosing the Right Place

The diversity in the Canadian meat market allows consumers to choose according to their preferences. Whether it’s the convenience of Walmart, the variety at Superstore, the freshness of Asian Markets, or the authenticity of local farms – there is something for everyone.

Considering Quality and Price

Quality and price are significant considerations when buying meat. Each place offers a balance of both, and consumers should weigh their options to make the best choice for their needs.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, buying meat in Canada offers a rich and diverse experience. Considering individual needs and preferences, along with quality and price, can lead to satisfying and nutritious choices.

FAQs

  1. Why is the shank region of meat popular at Walmart? The shank region of meat is popular at Walmart due to its freshness, deboning, meticulous packaging, and cost-effectiveness.
  2. Are there quality considerations when buying innards at Superstore? Yes, some innards like shaki (towel) at Superstore are usually bleached with chlorine, which may affect the taste.
  3. What makes Asian Markets a good choice for buying meat? Asian Markets guarantee freshness and quality, offering a diverse range of meat parts including fresh shaki, gizzard, and hard chicken.
  4. How does buying from local farms benefit consumers and communities? Buying from local farms guarantees fresh products, supports local producers, promotes community engagement, and fosters the growth of local businesses.

How to Roast Groundnut in your Airfryer

Roasting Groundnut in Nigeria

Groundnut, widely enjoyed across Nigeria, stands as a testament to the country’s love for this delicious snack. Pairing it with a cup of garri is a common practice in Nigerian homes, symbolizing a staple that has been cherished for generations. In this article, we delve into how you can leverage the versatile kitchen air fryer to roast groundnuts, bringing out their rich, nutty flavor.

Groundnut as a Popular Snack

In Nigeria, groundnut is not just a snack; it’s a culinary tradition. Eaten across the country, it finds its place in various dishes, snacks, and meals, showcasing its versatility and widespread appeal.

The Ubiquity of Airfryers in the Kitchen

With the advent of air fryers, roasting groundnuts at home has never been easier. This kitchen appliance has revolutionized cooking, providing a healthier, quicker, and more convenient way to roast, making it a ubiquitous presence in many homes.

Ingredients Needed

Before embarking on roasting groundnuts, gathering the right ingredients is essential. For this recipe, you will need:

  • 1 cup of raw groundnut
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 2 cups of hot water

 

Jollof Now Chicken in Airfryer? Check out this recipe from 9jafoodie

Preparing the Groundnut

Start by placing the raw groundnuts in a bowl. Form a brine by adding salt to hot water and pour this into the bowl of groundnuts. This step is crucial as it helps to infuse the nuts with flavor.

Step by Step Guide to Roasting

Roasting groundnuts in an air fryer is a straightforward process that results in a delicious and crispy snack. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect roast:

Soaking in Brine

Allow the groundnuts to soak in the brine for approximately 4 hours. This soaking process ensures the nuts absorb the salt, enhancing their flavor when roasted.

Drying the Groundnut

After soaking, drain the brine and strain the groundnuts with a strainer. Lay them out on a baking sheet and leave them to dry overnight. Drying is vital to ensure the nuts roast evenly in the air fryer.

Roasting in the Airfryer

Once the groundnuts are dry, place them in the air fryer and set the temperature to 170°C. Roast the nuts for 25 minutes, ensuring they are cooked evenly and acquire a golden-brown color.

Checking Progress and Finalizing

It’s advisable to break the roasting time every 10 minutes to check the progress. This practice ensures that the groundnuts do not overcook and achieve the desired level of crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

After roasting, allow the groundnuts to cool before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various accompaniments like garri, enhancing their flavor and providing a satisfying snack experience.

Cooling and Serving

Letting the groundnuts cool is essential, as it allows them to crisp up further. Once cooled, they are ready to be served and enjoyed.

Accompaniments and Variations

While groundnuts are delicious on their own, they can also be paired with different foods and snacks. A cup of garri is a traditional accompaniment, but feel free to experiment with other variations to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Roasting groundnuts in your air fryer is a simple yet rewarding process. By following the steps outlined, you can enjoy a delicious, crispy snack that is a staple in many Nigerian homes. Don’t forget to experiment with accompaniments and variations to make the snack your own!

Recapitulation

We’ve explored the popularity of groundnuts in Nigeria, the convenience of using an air fryer, the ingredients needed, and the step-by-step process of roasting. Enjoy your homemade roasted groundnuts!

Additional Tips

Remember to check the progress during roasting and allow the groundnuts to cool for the perfect crispy texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of salt for the brine? Yes, you can use any salt of your choice, but the quantity may need to be adjusted depending on the salt’s granularity and flavor.
  2. Do I have to leave the groundnuts to dry overnight? Leaving them overnight ensures they are thoroughly dried, but if you’re short on time, ensuring they are as dry as possible before roasting will also work.
  3. Can I roast other nuts in the air fryer using this method? Absolutely, this method is versatile and can be used for roasting different types of nuts, adjusting the roasting time as needed.
  4. What other accompaniments can be paired with roasted groundnuts? Roasted groundnuts can be paired with various accompaniments such as fruits, cheeses, or even incorporated into dishes for added texture and flavor.
  5. How should I store leftover roasted groundnuts? Store any leftover roasted groundnuts in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness and crispiness.

The Price of Nigerian Stew in Canada

I get lots of questions regarding the cost/price of various Nigerian delicacies in Canada. If you follow my stories on 9jafoodie instagram you will know that I don’t skimp on the meat.

I made a video that goes over the price of Nigerian Stew in Canada. Click below to watch.

 

Price of Nigerian Stew

Meat Cuts for Cooking – https://9jafoodie.com/prep-meat-nigerian-cooking/

Nigerian Stew Recipe – https://9jafoodie.com/nigerian-stew/

Nigerian Stew Base – https://9jafoodie.com/roasted-no-boil-base-for-nigerian-stew/

Nigeria Stew Ingredients

How to Make Beske from Scratch

Beske is essentially fried tofu.

It is also called Wara Soya – Different from Wara made from daily milk.

See below video for how I make mine from scratch.

 

I also wrote a tofu recipe a few years back. Let me know how it turns out if you do try it.

nigerian beske

Ata-Rice Yoruba Style Ofada Pepper Sauce

This is a spicy peppersauce common among Yoruba pepper. It’s pretty much a combination of Ayamase and Ata Dindin. This uses lots of OYEL so please, oil police look away. You can decant the oil once the sauce is done.

The secret to frying this properly is dividing up the oil so you use some to start it and the left over all to finish the sauce.

 

Ingredients

  • 2-4 hot peppers
  • 8 large red bell peppers (tatashe)
  • 3 large onions
  • 2-3 cups palm oil (divide)
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • Precooked meat and boiled eggs – To taste
  • 1/2 cup crayfish
  • Salt and maggi cube – to taste

 

Video Recipe

 

Directions

  • Combine peppers and onion in a blender. Process into a coarse texture.
  • Pour processed peppers into a strainer, set aside to drain out excess liquid
  • Set a large pot on medium-high heat, heat up half of the oil. Add in chopped onion and cooked meat. Cook until meat is browned.
  •  Add in the processed pepper. Cook for 10 minutes
  • Add in crayfish, salt and maggi and some broth or water. Add in extra meat (egg, shaki etc). Cover the pot and leave to cook for 25mins
  • Add in left over oil and continue to cook until oil floats to the top or the spirit of your ancestors whisper to you that the sauce is ready.
  •  Skim off any excess oil
  • Enjoy!!!

Supper – Lamb Shank

 

Here’s supper inspiration. I made this on the fly for supper sometime this week.

Let me know if you have any question. If you try it, tag me on instagram :)

 

  • 2 Tomatoes
  • 2 Bell Peppers
  • 1 onion Garlic (3 cloves)
  • Coriander
  • Turmeric
  • Curry
  • Salt Pepper

Seasoning Meat

 

 

How do you season your meat? This is my foolproof method

  • Onions
  • Ginger
  • Garlic
  • Hot peppers
  • Thyme (optional depending on what I am using broth for)
  • Bay leaves

 

What do you add to yours?

10 Comments

  1. Rejoice May 26, 2018 at 8:07 am - Reply

    I really love this

  2. Debbie Famurewa May 22, 2016 at 2:53 pm - Reply

    am quite surprised, are u saying that we can eat all this food and loose weight? puff puff? fried things? i want to start my weight loss program, but i dont know what kind of foods to eat, would like to see good results tho

    • Bode May 22, 2016 at 5:26 pm - Reply

      I believe not all the recipes on this site are weight loss conducive. You can visit 9jafoodie.com/loseitnigerian for weight loss specific recipes.

    • 9jafoodie May 22, 2016 at 8:47 pm - Reply

      No, I am not saying you can eat “unhealthy” and lose weight. There is a section on this blog called health and diet where you will find strictly healthy recipes. you can also check out my cookbook Lose It Nigerian

  3. Ngozi June 12, 2015 at 5:18 am - Reply

    Hi my name is Ngozi really love to know more on how to prepare a diet food table, please i really need ur help. thanks.

  4. toyosi April 7, 2015 at 7:39 am - Reply

    hi my name is toyosi i really love your blog nd am desprately inneed of a diet food table can u pls help me out

  5. laura February 13, 2015 at 8:12 pm - Reply

    hello my name is laura, i wanted to say that i really love your blog ;it’s awesome.I wanted o know if you made the vids u posted. If so could i possibly post it on my blog? and of course mention that i got it from you. i j started up a blog.It’s meant 2 be African centered, and i would rlly love 2 have a lot of info on it. thank you very for ready. have a beautiful day.

    Sincierly yours laura

  6. Madam Kofoworola December 22, 2014 at 8:37 am - Reply

    I love the ogbono and the asaro(yam porridge) it’s been so long I tasted yam. Am craving for this meal seriouslyn

  7. Chef Priscilla Umeda August 28, 2014 at 9:12 am - Reply

    loving all Nigerians involved in cooking…together let’s showcase naija foods to the world!

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