ARmy Rumour SErvice

**viceroy** · 19-11-2011, 16:51

Right, I have tried all the meat from pretty much everyone that supplies it conveniently within a 20 mile range (excluding farms etc, can't be bothered to go out too far too often and rather like my meat fresh). While at local butchers I get good beef once in a while, the chicken is universally tasteless. I tried them all, free range, not so free range, French, German, Brazilian, waxed, English, Swiss you get the idea.

The only butcher that is consistent on top-end quality is my rather expensive halal slaughterer Kamal. EVERYTHING tastes good, the burgers, steaks, sausages, veal, mutter, even his bloody poultry is miles ahead of both other butchers and retailers. The only exception to that is the Carrefour Halal chicken which is also always way better than the rest.

Now before A_K and his cousin hurry along to tell me that only those animals killed in accordance with the Koran are tasty and that we are all Kafirs and will rot in eternal hell, I doubt that very much. I think an animal takes longer to get killed by having its throat cut and I think it suffers unnecessarily vs. the conventional bolt I have seen in action. Not pretty, but it takes a few seconds and that was that. I don't imagine that panic and the associated hormones make the meat taste better or makes it more tender. I rather think that the halal butchers know their suppliers better and chose the animals wiser, but what are your thoughts, experiences? Any butchers with any thoughts?

**maguire** · 19-11-2011, 16:53

it's been approved by a paedophile?

**Flagrantviolator** · 19-11-2011, 17:02

They have religious standards as to how the animals are kept/raised, I would think. Whyever it is, I share your observation.

**jagman** · 19-11-2011, 17:06

Halal = savagery

It only tastes better because its hung longer, fuck all to do with the way Halal slaughter works.

**Brotherton Lad** · 19-11-2011, 17:09

Originally Posted by Flagrantviolator

They have religious standards as to how the animals are kept/raised, I would think. Whyever it is, I share your observation.

I agree. In addition, industrial slaughterhouses are pretty stressful places before the bolt gets anywhere near the beast.

**jarrod248** · 19-11-2011, 17:12

Stressed animals give a poor tasting meat. I think it's related to adrenaline production. Monty would probably know for sure.

**jagman** · 19-11-2011, 17:13

Originally Posted by Brotherton Lad

I agree. In addition, industrial slaughterhouses are pretty stressful places before the bolt gets anywhere near the beast.

You think a Halal slaughter house is a less stressful experience for animals? I can assure you it isn't.
As horrible as your average abbatoir is, the Halal equivlent is worse. I've been in both varieties.

**jarrod248** · 19-11-2011, 17:18

I wouldn't knowingly buy halal meat. I use a local farmer who has a farm shop or a very old butcher who uses meat from three local farms.

**Flagrantviolator** · 19-11-2011, 17:21

I've held down a sheep being slaughtered for Eid al Adha, on a farm belonging to a friend. It wasnt greatly distressed, and went very quickly. I've never been in a "halal slaughterhouse", but I have witnessed the respectful and decent way this humble Turkish chap slaughtered that sheep. And the responsible and kindly way he husbanded his flock. Who the fuck are you, jagman, Brigitte Bardot?!

It was certainlty a lot less distressed that the occasional deer I shoot who are (unfortunately) not immediately collapsed by a thoracic hit, whom I then have to find and slit the throat of. And I would defend that practise too. Are you a hippy?

**ehwhat?** · 19-11-2011, 17:29

Haven't found Halal meat to be any better than any other. A good relationship with any supplier will normally suffice for better quality. My dad and mum were on first name with their butcher and remembered his birthday. I do the same with my local and fare very well indeed on the cuts.

I would guess that your Halal butcher knows that he is under scrutiny by his community and therefore unwilling to risk providing substandard fare. Reputation is all in many communities.