What is enhanced chicken?

Question: What is enhanced chicken?

How can fresh chicken be enhanced? Is it better chicken?

Answer: Poultry producers use this term to refer to chicken that has been soaked in or injected with a brine solution of salt, water, and sometimes other additives.

There are positive and negative points to this process. You will need to decide for yourself. Here is the good, the bad, and the ugly of enhanced poultry and meats.

The Good

The marination of poultry in brine is a time-honored method of tenderizing and flavoring poultry. If you've ever brined a turkey for your Thanksgiving meal, you'll probably never go back to your old method. The result is tender and juicy.

The Bad

Those on sodium-restricted diets may not even know they are purchasing chicken that has been brined or injected. Most people naturally think they are buying fresh or frozen chicken with no enhancements. This was true in the old days, but it is now imperative to always read the label, even when buying poultry and other fresh meats.

The Ugly

Consumers are not informed and/or don't understand what enhanced means. If noticed on the label, one would think it is a better product. This is probably the reason why there has not been more public outcry. Along with the general public ignorance of the added sodium, the additional water means added weight. This means you are paying more per pound for water.

The Bottom Line

This process is also being used on meats, so be aware. Check the label. The enhanced term must be stated by law in the U.S. If you normally use salt in brines or marinades, omit it when using enhanced poultry or meat unless you like it salty. (Some people do). If you want to control the salt, buy natural, un-enhanced products and brine it yourself. Avoid enhanced poultry and meat altogether if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.

More about Chicken and Chicken Recipes:

• Chicken Recipes
• Rock Cornish Game Hens
• Chicken Wings
• Chicken Wing Recipes
• Cornish Game Hen Recipes
• Chicken Soup
• Chicken Soup Recipes
_{Chicken Photo © 2010 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.}