Why is halal meat so popular?

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

The food culture of different peoples is determined not only by the climate and the list of products that are more accessible in the area. A great influence on culinary traditions, no doubt, has a religious worldview of a certain group of the population. It is not surprising that there are preferences that are distributed among people by no means on a national basis. Their basis is precisely the common faith. Such a product can be considered halal meat, which is sold, bought and used both in Arab countries, and in India, and in Russia, and in the USA, and in the UK. Its main consumers are Muslims, since such a product is originally made by them and for themselves.

What does this term mean

In translation from Arabic, the word "halal" means "compliance", "consistency with Sharia law." Naturally, such an interpretation is quite approximate, but it fully conveys the deep meaning. For Muslims, these are certain rules that relate not only to food. And for the rest of the world, all these laws come down to the concept of "halal meat". Manybelieve that this is just a dish from Arabic cuisine. However, among the Arabs there are non-Muslims, and in other nations, on the contrary, there are supporters of this religion. So we can firmly say: halal meat is not a dish, but a way of preparing an ingredient.

Halal production rules

Differences from regular beef or lamb starts with the rearing of animals. First of all - fattening: only natural products are suitable for it, no stimulants, hormones, artificial additives and GMOs. At the same time, careful care of the herds is required. Of course, hygiene and sanitation must be observed on ordinary farms, but they are often neglected or allowed some concessions. However, in order to obtain natural halal meat, almost medical sterility is required. During the entire cycle of growing animals, there is constant veterinary control: they should not get sick with anything. Attention and affection are obligatory in relation to cattle intended for slaughter, both before slaughtering, and during it, and after. Slaughter is performed only physically - the carotid artery is dissected. No other methods are acceptable. The blood from the animals descends completely. An indispensable prayer that is read before slaughter ensures that such halal meat is fully consistent with the laws of the Qur'an, but is hardly necessary for those people who do not follow Sharia.

How is this meat different from regular meat

If it is bought in the "right" place, where it is fully halal, you can be sure that there is nothing in beef but natural meat. No dyes, flavors, GMOs or preservatives. Fear of carcinogens, which are many chemical additives, recedes without a fight - halal meat simply does not contain them. Not only that, meat that has been completely bled out tastes mild and pleasant, and the chances of bacterial growth are greatly reduced.

Which is definitely not halal

According to the Koran, the following are not subject to human consumption: pork (and there is not even an explanation why), the meat of predators - both birds and mammals (in principle, this is reasonable - what they eat cannot be controlled, as well as, respectively, the he alth of those who ate their meat). The category "halal meat" definitely does not include animals that have been suffocated (crushed by constriction of the throat) or died as a result of injuries. It is forbidden to eat meat, the origin of which is unknown, the blood of any livestock is completely prohibited. Our black pudding, probably, for Muslims looks like a mockery. By the way, these are very reasonable restrictions, which are aimed at preventing mass poisoning or the spread of terrible diseases. The same bleeding protected the population of hot regions of the planet from very serious diseases, especially if the animal was of unknown origin and it is not clear what he died from.

Be that as it may, lately halal meat has been in high demand among those who were not even close to Islam. Environmental friendliness and guarantee against infection and poisoningattract more people.