What is Angus Beef?

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Background on Angus Cattle

  • Angus is a breed of cattle that originated from Aberdeen and Angus counties in Scotland.

  • They are naturally hornless cattle recognized by their solid black coats.

  • Angus cattle are bred specifically for the quality and marbling of their meat.

  • They were first introduced to the United States in 1873 and are now the most popular beef cattle breed in the US.

Characteristics of Angus Beef

  • Angus beef is prized for its flavor, tenderness and juiciness resulting from its high marbling content.

  • Marbling refers to the intramuscular fat that creates a web-like pattern visible in cuts of beef.

  • More marbling means more moisture and beefy flavor in the meat.

  • The abundant marbling also makes Angus beef very tender compared to leaner beef from other cattle breeds.

Grading of Angus Beef

  • Angus beef is graded by the USDA just like other beef.

  • A high percentage of Angus cattle meet the specifications for USDA Prime or Choice grades.

  • USDA Prime is the highest grade denoting the peak of quality and marbling.

  • USDA Choice is the second tier grade that also indicates very good quality beef.

  • Only a small percentage of all beef qualifies for the Prime grade (2-3% approx).

Certified Angus Beef® Brand

  • Certified Angus Beef® is the best Angus beef that meets stringent standards beyond USDA grading.

  • 10 specific criteria are used to select quality Angus beef that can carry the brand name.

  • Consistent high quality, exceptional tenderness, juiciness and flavor are hallmarks of the Certified Angus Beef® brand.

  • It has very precise marbling and maturity specifications that must be met.

Benefits of Angus Beef

  • Extremely flavorful, moist and tender eating experience.

  • Reliably consistent quality and taste.

  • Highly marbled cuts like ribeye, tenderloin and strip steaks are exceptional when Angus.

  • Versatile for grilling, pan-searing, roasting and other cooking methods.

  • Reputable beef brand that diners recognize and trust.

What is Angus Beef?

FAQ

What is Angus beef vs regular beef?

Angus beef develops with better marbling (the amount of intramuscular fat) than most cattle. Most people agree that marbling improves flavor, tenderness, and keeps meat moist while cooking, especially at high temperatures.

Why is Angus beef so special?

Generally, Black Angus tastes better and is more tender than other beef. This is attributed to the meat’s marbling – a trait that Black Angus is known for. In marbled meat, the fat is distributed thinly and evenly, which leads to consistent flavor, juiciness, and flavor.

Is Angus beef high quality?

Since Angus is a breed and USDA Prime is a grade of beef it’s not a “this vs that” comparison. Angus beef can be graded as USDA Prime but could also grade as “Choice” or “Select.” Beef sourced from Angus cattle is often high quality, but diet, genetics, and handling practices all contribute to the final product.

Is Angus beef better than Chuck?

As mentioned, Angus is usually considered a higher quality of meat. While this may not always be true, Steak School notes that the breed is known for a higher level of marbling, or fat, which keeps the beef moist longer while cooking. Marbling tends to lead to a juicier, more flavorful meat, which is why many love it.

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