WHAT CONSTITUTES "PRIME" EATING BEEF?

It is presently claimed, by some, that meat from Angus, domestic beef cattle, has a better flavour than meat from other types of domestic cattle. This may, or, may not, be true; they do mature faster: so at least I do not really dispute the claim. I do know however, that BISON--the meat from which is beef--has: less fat, finer grain, more flavour, and more nutrition than other types of beef. But,"PRIME' quality eating beef really has very little to do with breed of cattle.
Do you have any idea, at all, of what you are talking about- you know, those things that you grew up knowing, those things everybody knows ALL ABOUT; or a least likes to BELIEVE they do?
Prime eating beef must:

• have been properly killed or  slaughtered.
•  have been cut from a prime grade carcass.
• have been properly handled during processing.
• be properly aged.

All meat--in this case we are talking beef-- is going to shrink and the consumer is the one that must pay for that shrinkage. The shrinkage can occur before or while the meat is being cooked(20% or more). If that inevitable shrinkage occurs while the meat is being cooked; then it is often wasted.


If a broiler(it is not a barbecue) is used, meat drippings are often burned off. Roaster pan or braising pot residues are often just thrown away---much flavour and nutrition is lost so the consumer then goes out and buys nutritional, mineral or vitamin supplements.


If, the shrinkage occurs during "dry ageing" before the meat is sold to the consumer; the customer or consumer must still pay for the shrinkage; by paying a higher price for the meat , when purchased.
The main purpose of ageing is to tenderise the meat.
 But, ageing also:

• greatly reduces shrinkage during cooking.
• concentrates minerals, vitamins, nutritional benefits---within the meat. They are not thrown away.
• also concentrates flavour ingredients WITHIN THE MEAT. Flavour is greatly, greatly increased.

PRIME EATING BEEF COMES FROM PRIME CATTLE, AGED PRIME GRADE CARCASSES, DRY AGED PRIMARY CUTS. 

ONLY PRIME BEEF PRODUCES PRIME EATING. 
©Al Girvan1990