Green Meat in Chicken? Here’s What’s Really Going On

happen instantly. Shortly after the original injury, the muscle can appear red and may show hemorrhaging. Over the following days, it can develop a bruised appearance. After a week or more, the characteristic green color may become apparent.

Therefore, the appearance can vary considerably. One piece might contain a muted gray-green area, while another could show a much darker green section.

The texture can also differ from ordinary chicken. USDA describes affected tissue as becoming fibrous during the process.

That combination of a localized green color and altered texture can

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