PICK THE BEST BIRD

Use Bourrillon’s top tips to get better quality for your money

THE OLD BIRD

Get specific with your butcher. A well-grown, healthy chicken should be modest in size (see p38) and be between 56 and 81 days old.

SPORTS MODEL You’re looking for an athlete. Tastier meat comes from strong birds that are in good shape. Check for firm meat and long legs.

FARM FRESH

Free range is good, but for the tastiest chicken, go organic. Flock size is limited to 1,000 and birds will spend a third of their lives outside.