In message "Pete C." wrote:
> skyhooks wrote:
> > Gunner wrote:
> > >
> > > Is it safe? well, it is the same thing we are doing by brining meats.
> > > YET it adds 10-12% more water to your meat weight. so you are buying
> > > some expensive salted water. a 10 lb roast would be 1 lb of extra
> > > water at 5-6$ a lb.
> >
> > This is the point that bugs me most!!! I shouldn't have to pay the
> > "premium" price for injected water! In other words, "where's the
> > beef?"!!!!
>
> Why do you think you're paying a "premium" price?
> I know the "enhanced" part certainly doesn't bother me when I'm buying pre
> pack pork tenderloins at $1.29 / lb. It's cheap, it's decent and it freezes
> reasonably well for later use. At those prices I'm not expecting the best
> pork tenderloin I ever had and what I do get is certainly not
> disappointing.
>
This really bothers me. I've just debated, with an American email friend, the
development and overall control of supermarkets and other retail outlets. I
feared that the roller coaster development of these American giants has had a
detremential effect on other countries retail markets. In my opinion, we are
seeing an overall negative impact on local food outlets, producers and
labour.

Who needs to be a genius to realise that the spread of these conglomerates,
with their monetary muscle power, has had the effect of closing down a
substantial proportion of small businesses in all areas as a direct result of
their powerful impact on local economies. Towns and villages are now bereft
of bakeries, butchers, grocers, greengrocers, fishmongers clothing
establishments and now even chemists as they spread their power bases ever
wider.

My friend states that it's own own fault if we accept on "a good idea". I
accept that we have fallen for it; but I refute the word "good". In most
areas it has benefited only the conglomerates. Sure, commodities may be
cheaper, but at a price. Taste is no longer part of the equation. You are
beginning to realise the same fact. Cheap isn't always best!

Don