19 May 6 FAQS on Prime Beef Products and Meat Grades

If you want to be the expert at your BBQ pit, here are six FAQs on prime beef products and meat grades. Meat Grades set the standard for manufacturers around our nation. The criteria made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, scores various meat types, including prime beef products. The grading program uses highly trained professionals and specialists to determine the grades.

How are Beef Grades Determined?

Meat grades are determined by two main factors – the degree of marbling ( intramuscular fat) and the maturity or age of animal meat. The beef quality grades are known as:

● Prime

● Choice

● Select

Meat is then separated, labeled, and packaged based on its cutting.

FAQs on Prime Beef Products

Prime beef is produced from young, well-fed cattle and has abundant marbling. Prime roasts and steaks are perfect for roasting, grilling, or broiling. This type of beef is produced in smaller quantities than other grades.

What Does Choice Beef Mean?

Choice beef is high quality and produced in the highest quality but has much less marbling than prime beef. Choice meat is still typically:

• Juicy
• Flavorful
• Very tender
• Best suited for roasting, grilling, and broiling.

What Does Select-Beef Mean?

Select beef is a slightly leaner cut than the prime and choice, mainly because it has less marbling. Although it lacks tenderness, flavor, and juiciness compared to the higher grades, one of the benefits of this beef is it works well in slow cookers and for stews.

Who Determines the USDA Beef Grading?

As previously mentioned, the USDA is the one that determines the different grades, including prime beef products. We discussed the two main categories meat fall are categorized, but there are three other qualities: flavor, tenderness, and juiciness.

What Does Marbling Have to Do with Steak?

Marbling (intramuscular fat) is the intermingling or dispersion of fat within the lean. Graders evaluate the amount and distribution of marbling of the muscle at the cut surface after the carcass has been removed. The degree of marbling is the primary determinant of quality grades.

Buy Prime Beef Products Without the Hassle

Buy online and enjoy your favorite high-quality cuts!

• Prime Brisket
• Ground Beef
• Beef Short Ribs
• New York Strip
• Tomahawk Steak
• Hamburger Patties
• Porterhouse Steak
• Prime Ribeye Steak
• Center Cut Tenderloin
• Cowboy Bone-In Ribeye

We also have our signature meat gift boxes filled with various cuts that include our signature Mexican chorizo and seasonings! Try a little of everything, review these FAQs on prime beef products, and enjoy nationwide shipping. Contact us online if you have any questions.