En esta noticia
Chicken is one of the most popular proteins when choosing meat for the daily diet, and different types can be found on the market, such as farm-raised or industrial chicken and free-range chicken, whose differences often raise questions.
Although both come from young birds for consumption purposes, there are key differences related to raising conditions, feed, fattening time, and distinctive characteristics. All of these features can affect flavor, texture, color, and price.
White chicken or yellow chicken: what is the difference
According to the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the main difference lies in how the birds are raised.
Industrial farm-raised chicken is produced through intensive breeding systems. The birds grow quickly until they reach the appropriate weight for sale (1kg), and their feed is specifically designed for this purpose.
As a result of this production system, it is a meat with a more whitish or pale color, tender texture, and milder flavor.
Free-range chicken, on the other hand, is raised under different conditions and has a longer growth period (3kg). In this case, the diet is based on grains and it is raised under semi-free conditions. The meat is more yellowish, has a firmer texture, and a more pronounced flavor.
What is worth buying: white chicken or yellow chicken
There is no single answer to this question, since the choice will depend on each person’s preferences.
Free-range chicken can be a good option for those who choose to prioritize:
- Meat with a more intense flavor
- A firmer texture
- Different characteristics in terms of the color of the meat
On the other hand, farm-raised chicken may be convenient for those who prefer
- More tender meat
- A milder flavor
- A generally more competitive price
It is important to consider that, from a nutritional point of view, the fat content will depend on the cut chosen and on whether it is eaten with or without skin.