Does it really matter to spend an extra dollar on prime beef when you could just as easily stop by your local store and buy something that isn’t marked prime?
Here’s the lowdown on prime beef and why it’s totally worth it to spend more money on it.
Don’t mess around if you’re going to eat steak, after all. Go straight for the good stuff.
The Highest Quality Meat
Less than 2% of all beef produced in the United States will earn the top prime designation Your grocery store may not carry the top prime designation depending on where you shop. Rather, upscale restaurants and hotels are more likely to buy it. Prime meats are being sold in higher-end stores more frequently, and they come with a price to match.
Prime cuts of beef are of the highest quality, and are best prepared using dry-heat cooking techniques like roasting and grilling.
The “USDA Prime” Grade
A purple stamp with the words “USDA Prime” enclosed in a shield will appear on cuts of meat that have received a prime rating. The grade mark will be on the retail packaging, but it will only be visible on the primal cuts.
Misrepresenting the grade of meat, abusing the shield symbol, or utilizing deceptive language to describe the meat’s quality are all prohibited. For instance, a restaurant serving prime rib must use beef that has received the prime rating. If not, they would have to refer to it as a rib roast or another dish without the word “prime” in it.
Keep in mind that meat grading is completely optional, and meat producers who want their meat to be given a quality grade must pay for the service. This is distinct from the law-mandated meat inspection system, which has no regard for quality or tenderness. Meat inspection, which is also carried out by the United States Department of Agriculture and is supported by tax dollars, guarantees that the meat you purchase is wholesome, secure, and has been appropriately packaged and labeled.
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Beef Grades Explained – Select vs Choice vs Prime Steaks
FAQ
Is prime the highest grade of beef?
USDA Prime: Made from young, well-fed cattle, Prime is the USDA’s highest grade and has plenty of marbling, which gives the meat a richer flavor. The second-highest grade, USDA Choice, features flavorful, tender cuts with less marbling than USDA Prime.
What cut is prime beef?
Meat from the most recent beef with the most substantial marbling will be designated as “prime.” The rib-eye steak, tenderloin, and anything from the short loin, including strip steaks, T-bones, and porterhouses, are the beef cuts that are the most tender.
Is prime beef better than Angus?
Yes, Prime is the highest quality meat. According to the USDA rating system, it has the most marbling, making the ground beef rich, tender, and juicy. Because it is naturally raised beef of the highest quality, Angus beef is extremely expensive.
Is prime beef better than select?
The top three beef quality grades are USDA Prime, USDA Choice, and USDA Select. From best to worst are USDA Standard, USDA Commercial, USDA Utility, USDA Cutter, and USDA Canner.