Making The Grade

Beef is almost always labeled by its grade: Prime, Choice, or Select; but what does it really mean? Each USDA beef quality grade is a measure of a distinct level of quality. The grade is determined by the amount of marbling and the age of the animal. Marbling is the flecks of fat that are distributed throughout the lean meat. The higher the grade, the more likely you will have a tender, juicy and flavorful eating experience.

So what does it take to make the grade at Creekstone Farms?  Since we hand pick the best of Angus cattle in the Midwest, we grade higher than any other facility in the country!  We grade out at 12% Prime and 69.9 % Choice, compared to industry average of 2.9% Prime and 53.4% Choice. 

Master Chef Prime (USDA Prime): Prime grade beef is the ultimate in tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. It has lots of marbling which enhances both flavor and juiciness. It is generally sold to the top tier of steakhouses and restaurants around the world and is available in only a select few retail markets. It is usually higher priced because it is available in very limited quantities.

Master Chef Choice / Chef’s Table Choice (USDA Choice): Choice grade beef has less marbling than Prime but will still be tender, juicy, and flavorful.  Choice grade is actually divided into two categories – Upper Choice and Choice.  Upper Choice or Master Chef Choice is the grade that is closer to Prime and featured in many upper tier restaurants and retailers.  Chef’s Table Choice (Choice) still exhibits good marbling but may not be quite as tender as Master Chef Choice.  Chef’s Table Choice (Choice) is the grade available in many retail markets. It provides a great eating experience and is usually less costly than USDA Prime or Upper Choice.

Chef’s Table Select (USDA Select): Select grade beef is fairly tender, but, because it is leaner and has less marbling, it may lack some of the juiciness and flavor of the higher grades.