Exam (elaborations)
USDA Beef Grading Unit – Questions & Answers
USDA Beef Grading Unit – Questions & Answers
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USDA Beef Grading Unit – Questions & AnswersWhat beef breed is known for having the highest degree of marbling in their
meat? ✔️Ans - Angus (Both Black and Red)
What percentage of the world's beef do U.S. farmers and ranchers produce?
✔️Ans - U.S. farmers and ranchers produce 18% of the world's beef with only
8% of the world's cattle.
What purpose do USDA beef quality grades serve? ✔️Ans - 1. The grades are
a trusted symbol that reassures consumers they are purchasing safe, high-
quality American beef, which aids in the promotion and marketing of quality
beef products.
2. The grades assist livestock producers in identifying and receiving prices
that correspond with the quality and quantity of the livestock they produce.
3. The grades provide a uniform supply of meat of the quality desired by
consumers, retailers, and export markets (assist in the sale of beef products
that are uniform in both quality and composition).
The USDA classifies beef carcasses using two types of grades: quality grades
and yield grades. What is the difference between these two types of USDA beef
grades? ✔️Ans - Beef Quality Grades relate to the tenderness, juiciness, and
flavor of the beef, which have to do with the maturity and marbling degree of
the animal.
Beef Yield Grades relate to the amount of usable lean meat on the carcass
(lean meat to fat ratio on the carcass).
In order from best to worst, what are the eight beef quality grades? ✔️Ans -
1. Prime
2. Choice
3. Select
4. Standard
5. Commercial
6. Utility
7. Cutter
8. Canner
, What two main criteria are Beef Quality Grades based upon? ✔️Ans - 1. the
degree of marbling (intramuscular fat) in the beef
2. the maturity or estimated age of the animal at slaughter
Define the term "marbling". ✔️Ans - Marbling is the white streaks of fat
within lean sections of meat.
The majority of Prime and Choice graded beef is harvested from young, well-
fed steers (castrated males). Why is the beef harvested from young steers and
not young heifers? ✔️Ans - It is not produced from heifers because heifers
are used for breeding, and therefore, the meat is tougher.
What percent of all beef produced in the United States is graded Prime?
✔️Ans - 2.9% or 3%
What beef quality grade is harvested from young cattle and has an abundant
amount of marbling that is equivalent to a fat content of 8-13%? ✔️Ans -
Prime
What two beef quality grades are best suited for dry-heat cooking, such as
grilling, roasting, or broiling? ✔️Ans - Prime and Choice
What beef quality grade is harvested from younger cattle and has a degree of
marbling that is equivalent to a fat content of 4-10%? ✔️Ans - Choice
What percent of all beef produced in the United States is graded Choice?
✔️Ans - 50%
What two sections of a beef carcass are known for being the most marbled?
✔️Ans - 1. Beef Ribs
2. Short Loin (T-Bone, Strip, & Porterhouse Steaks come from this section)
Regarding value for money, what beef quality grade will give you a tasty steak
at a fairly affordable price? ✔️Ans - Choice
What beef quality grade is leaner and has a degree of marbling that is
equivalent to a fat content of 2-4%? ✔️Ans - Select
True or False: USDA beef grading is completely optional. ✔️Ans - True
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