Tony said:Hello, all - please forgive my ill manners in jumping in from out of
nowhere...
I am trying to find anyone who has experienced this problem, or who
can help me fix it:
Almost every time i cook a steak (whether it's rib-eye, porterhouse,
or sirloin) I seem to get a slight off-flavor. I can't really describe
it - it's maybe a bit fishy or a bit metallic, but it really spoils
the enjoyment of the meat. I have NEVER tasted this flavor in a
restaurant, so I'm pretty sure it's something I'm doing.
The meat has come from various sources - Stater Brothers is the main
place (for those who know the store), or Albertson's or Ralphs, too.
Sometimes I get the meat from the cooler, sometimes picked from the
case. Sometimes I get the meat 2-3 days before cooking, sometimes a
couple hours before.
I have tried all sorts of marinades, including just vegetable oil,
salt & pepper. I have tried cooking it on the grill and broiling it.
Always gets that odd taste. Well, ALMOST always. Sometimes I get lucky
& don't get it. I have tried this even with a new grill - no
difference.
One thing is pretty consistent - EVERY time I've had the off-taste, I
have noticed something of a fishy smell when I first put the meat on
the grill.
Does anyone have any ideas what might be causing this? It's driving me
nuts...
This is probably a condition inherent to your own ability to taste,
often caused by ones own body chemistry interacting with animal
protein, very often from taking certain medications, sometimes the
water or other liquids you consume, a reaction to certain metals
(cookware and eating utensils), are you using iodized salt?, from
smoking tobacco, from handling metals, especially non ferrous metals
such as pocket change, etc., many elements are absorbed through the
skin and mucous membranes (do you have a new sex partner, I'm
serious), a combination of any of the above and others, such as taking
vitamin pills, antacids, using anti-perspirant deodorant, any and all
cosmetics, shampoos, laundry products. I would suggest you think
carefully about any and all changes you've made recently in your life
style... sometimes a new hobby can expose one to new chemicals, even
in the clothing one wears in persuit of a particular activity, such as
wet suits, ski wear, swim wear, swimming pool water... did you
recently paint your house, do you use gardening chemicals (lawn
treatment especially), certain car detailing products (even a new
car)... could be most anything in your environment, occupational
exposures often changes body chemistry... handling different papers,
even the TP you use. But it's not the meat, it's definitely you.
Think!
Sheldon
