It should be fine grained, evenly marbled with fat and with a moderate covering of white or cream colored fat over the exterior. Lamb Look for lamb that may be light to dark pink but with firm white to cream colored fat that is firm but not too thick. Avoid dark red meat or yellowish fat. Pork Look for pork with firm and fine grained flesh that may range in color from light grayish pink to a rosy hue. The lean should be well marbled with streaks of firm white fat and an outer layer of fat that is not too thick.
Poultry Look for poultry that is plump in shape with firm looking meat.
In young birds, the breastbone should be soft and flexible. Insert the meat thermometer between the leg and body in the thigh muscle. Roasts Weight in Pounds Approx. Capon 4 to 8 lbs. Turkey 6 to 8 lbs.