What is USDA Prime Beef?
Read this tip to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Summer Cooking and other Prepared Food topics.
What is USDA Prime Beef?
If you're researching steaks to order to your home for that summer barbecue, it's a good idea to read up on the quality of steaks out there so you know what you're ordering.
Of all the beef produced in the U.S., only 2 percent is certified prime grade by the USDA. Certified prime grade beef is raised in open pastures on a 100 percent vegetarian diet that is free of subtherapeutic antibiotics and growth hormones. Each farm that breeds this type of meat pledges to follow humane livestock management practices that include providing cattle with room to roam and forage in a stress-free, safe environment; free access to clean, fresh water; and supplemental feed that is a mix of all-natural grains and grasses. This is all according to the USDA.
USDA Prime beef has more fat marbling, so it is the most tender and flavorful. However, it is higher in fat content. Most of the graded beef sold in supermarkets is USDA Choice or USDA Select. The protein, vitamin, and mineral content of beef are similar regardless of the grade.
Inspection is mandatory; grading is voluntary, and a plant pays to have its meat graded. USDA-graded beef sold at the retail level is labeled Prime, Choice, and Select. Lower grades (Standard, Commercial, Utility, Cutter, and Canner) are mainly ground or used in processed meat products. Retail stores may use other terms which must be different from USDA grades.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Lynne Christen |
