A basic debate when it comes to chicken is white vs. dark chicken meat. Some people prefer white chicken meat because they think is healthier. But is there any truth to this belief? Keep reading to discover the answer.
Why Are Some Cuts of the Chicken Darker Than Others?
The cuts of the chicken that are considered white meat are the breast and the wings. The dark meat comes from the thighs and drumsticks.
Why are these parts of the chicken different? The explanation is quite simple. The darkest color of the thighs and drumsticks is due to myoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to the muscles to ensure they work properly.
Since chickens are standing most of the time, legs and thigs are rich in myoglobin, and therefore dark. On the other hand, chickens are flightless birds, which explains why there’s very little myoglobin in their breasts and wings.
So, What Is the Difference Between White and Dark Chicken Meat?
Besides a greater quantity of myoglobin in the darkest chicken cuts, there is very little difference between white and dark chicken meat.
In fact, myoglobin makes dark chicken meat juicier and tastier than its white counterpart.
From a nutritional standpoint, though, there is little variation. For example, 100 grams of raw chicken breast with the skin contains 20.8 grams of protein, 83.0 IU of vitamin A, and 11 mg of calcium, while the same amount of raw chicken thigh meat contains 17.3 grams of protein, 149 IU of vitamin A, and 10 mg of calcium.
However, it is true that chicken breast (probably the most popular chicken cut) contains less fat. In the example above, raw chicken breast with the skin contains 9.2 grams of fat, while the thigh provides 15.3 grams. The difference is even greater if you make do with the skin: in that case, the breast contains only 1.2 grams of fat.
More Interesting Facts About Chicken and Mexican Food
We love all the curious facts that surround chicken and authentic Mexican food. These are some previous posts you can read to learn more about this fascinating topic.
- Huevos Rancheros: everything you need to know
- Chicken and Mexican food: 5 curious facts
- Mexican Carne Asada is a way of life
- The amazing stories behind the names of Mexican food
- Mesquite, a symbol of Mexican culture
- Why Are chili peppers so important in Mexican cuisine
Enjoy Authentic Mexican Food at El Pollo Norteño
If what you want is Authentic Mexican food in Anaheim, California, El Pollo Norteño is the place to go.
Visit today any of our four locations (Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Garden Grove), order online, get in touch through Facebook, or call 866-MI-POLLO to enjoy our authentic Mexican dishes: amazing chicken grilled to perfection over real Mesquite charcoal, tacos, burritos, tortas, birria, and more!