Our friends at the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association want all consumers to be informed about how to make appropriate choices when buying beef. All beef sold for human consumption is inspected but not all beef is graded. There are specific U.S.D.A. rules governing how beef is graded and they have asked me to pass along this basic outline of beef grading information to you.

Making the Grade

Meat Inspection = Safe and Wholesome Beef

The wholesomeness of the U.S. meat supply is ensured by meat inspection. All meat that is sold must, by law, pass inspection. Meat products are among the most highly regulated and supervised products in the food supply. Everyone pays for meat inspection through taxes.

Meat Grading = Taste and Tenderness

Meat grading is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Beef quality grades indicate palatability characteristics such as tenderness, juiciness and flavor. There are eight quality grades for beef which reflect the amount of marbling (fat within the lean), firmness, color and texture of the beef, and the maturity of the animal.

Grading is optional and paid for by meat processors. More than half of the beef available is graded. Generally, only three grades are identified and sold to restaurants and at retail. They are Prime, Choice and Select.

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Prime has the most marbling.
It usually is sold to restaurants, although some specialty meat markets and supermarkets may carry it.

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Choice cuts tend to have a little less marbling.
Choice is the most widely available grade in the market.

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Select has the least amount of marbling, making it leaner but often less juicy and flavorful than the other two grades.

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Here are some tips to remember when shopping for beef to prepare for your next cookout.

Three Simple Steps For… Shopping for Beef

1. Make the meat case your last stop to ensure beef stays cool.
2. Choose beef with a bright cherry-red color.
3. Opt for steaks and roasts that are firm to the touch, not soft.

Do you have more questions about beef? Ask the butchers at your favorite grocery store or meat market for information about the source, quality and grades of meat they carry.  Post your comments or questions below and share them in a discussion on the Users Forum – Meat topic board.

Thanks and…

Happy Grilling!