6. When Purple Is Harmless and the Chicken Is Still Safe to Eat
In many cases, purple blotches on chicken are harmless and do not affect the safety of the meat. If the discoloration is solely from bone marrow leakage or myoglobin and the chicken passes the smell and texture tests, it is safe to cook and consume.
Keep in mind that cooking the chicken to the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) will kill any potentially harmful bacteria. Thus, even if the chicken appears a bit unusual, it can still be safe to eat once properly cooked.
7. How Freezing, Thawing, and Packaging Can Create Strange Colors
The process of freezing and thawing can lead to various color changes in chicken, largely due to the formation and melting of ice crystals. These crystals can damage cell structures and cause the release of pigments like myoglobin and bone marrow content.
Packaging plays a role too. Vacuum-sealed packaging can minimize color changes by reducing exposure to air, whereas poorly sealed or punctured packaging can exacerbate discoloration. Understanding these factors can help you anticipate and accept these natural color variations.