COOKING TIPS & HOW-TO'S

LOMBARDO'S COOKING CORNER

COOKING CORNER
  • TEMPERATURE CHARTS
  • TIPS
  • RECIPES | INSTRUCTIONS

UNDERSTANDING USDA GRADES OF BEEF

QUALITY GRADE FACTORS

MARBLING

the amount of fat streaking within the cut of meat

AGE

of cattle at harvest

COLOR

of the cut of meat

TEXTURE

firmness and tenderness

USDA PRIME

  • highest quality beef grade
  • abundant marbling
  • harvested from young, well-fed cattle
  • often sold in high-end hotels and restaurants
  • most tender and flavorful
  • contains about 8-13 percent fat

USDA CHOICE

  • high quality
  • more marbling than USDA Select
  • less marbling than USDA Prime
  • harvested from younger cattle
  • contains about 4-10 percent fat

*Berk Lombardo Only Carries Beef Graded USDA Choice Or Higher.*

USDA SELECT

  • significantly less marbling
  • leaner than other grades of beef
  • less flavor, tougher texture
  • contains about 2-4 percent fat
  • easily found in most grocery stores

OTHER GRADES OF BEEF: 

Standard, Commercial, Utility, Cutter, Canner