Navigating the meat section can be daunting, but with a simple understanding of the labels, packaging, and key descriptors, you can purchase the right meat. Better meat quality will be purchased after learning to decode USDA Stamps, understand meat labels, and recognize marbling.
Where did this meat get processed?
If you’re wondering about the origins of your meat, check out the USDA stamp. Each stamp has a unique code that reveals the product's origin, processing facility, and production location. The USDA has mandated that all meat be inspected. By purchasing meats with a USDA stamp, you are ensured the quality of your meat and the transparency of its origins.
What does the marbling mean?
When inspecting your beef, marbling is a defining factor. Marbling in meat refers to the visible white streaks of intramuscular fat that run through the particular cut of meat. Marbling adds flavor and juiciness to the cut as it melts into the steak when cooking. Highly marbled steaks are super flavorful, juicy, and tender. intramuscular fat contributes to flavor and tenderness. If you are shopping for a cut like a Ribeye, where the marbling is more apparent, look for thinner, evenly distributed, and bright white fat marbling. For the highest level of marbling, check out our Wagyu Beef Collection.
Why are meats packaged in different ways?
The method of meat packaging is extremely noteworthy when it comes to freshness. Fresh meats are typically vacuum-sealed to uphold freshness and maintain a prolonged shelf life. By minimizing the exposure to oxygen, a vacuum-sealed packaged cut of beef will remain flavorful. Grocery stores most commonly use plastic wrap and a foam tray permeable to air, so if you plan on buying to freeze for the future, you should consider placing it in a freezer bag or wrapping it with foil. If you are working with a butcher, it will cut your beef to order and wrap it in coarse, sturdy butcher paper, which is easy to remove to prepare your meat immediately.
What do all the product details mean?
Product details can be overwhelming. However, they are an extremely important part of meat packaging. It’s important to know what commonly-used descriptors mean so you can be confident about your meat’s quality. Here are some of the most commonly used terms that signify quality meat sourcing and nutritional value:
- Organic: Meat products labeled as organic come from animals raised without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These animals were also given organic feed and access to the outdoors. Organic meat products are held to higher environmental and animal welfare standards, making them premium.
- Grass-Fed: Grass fed beef refers to cattle that have been fed a diet that includes some grass and hay, but can be swapped to or supplemented with grains at any time, while still keeping the ‘grass-fed’ label.
- Grass-Fed and Grass-Finished: Grass-finished beef, on the other hand, is specific to cattle that have been raised on a diet of only grass and forage for their entire lives. All Market House Grass-Fed beef is also Grass-Finished. Take a look here!
- Free-range: Free-range animals are raised to roam freely in the outdoors, where they, in many cases, have a natural diet. With more space and freedom, Free-Range animals engage in their natural behaviors, maintaining a happy and healthy life resulting in higher-quality meat products. All of our poultry products are free range.
- Wild-caught: Wild-caught seafood refers to fish that are caught directly out of their natural habitat, such as oceans, rivers, and lakes, rather than being farmed. A wild-caught environment can result in fish with better flavor and texture than farmed fish. Wild-caught fish are recognized with higher standards. Check out our wild-caught seafood collection here.
With an understanding of the significance of meat labels, packaging, and important industry vocabulary never fear the many choices of beef at the store. Find your preferences, and shop in confidence.
Shop our meat collection now and stock your freezer with premium, sustainably sourced cuts.