BEEF GRADES DECODED Understanding USDA Beef Guidelines USDA Select: This grade of meat is decent quality, but it doesn’t have the level of marbling found in Prime and Choice cuts. Because of this, Select cuts are usually less tender and flavorful. These aren’t great options for steak, but if you’re making a stew, you can’t go wrong with Select. Standard and Commercial: These cuts of beef don’t always make it to the supermarket, but when they do, they’re often priced lower. They also have limited marbling, which can mean a tougher texture with less flavor. Keep in mind that these cuts are not often labeled anywhere on the packaging, so if you see beef packaging that lacks a grade, it may be a lower-grade cut.
If you’ve ever purchased a cut of beef or strolled past the meat counter at your local grocery store, you’ve probably noticed the different grades of beef. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has guidelines for the meat sold in stores across the country. Before the meat is sold, it receives a grade. As a shopper, it can be difficult to understand what these grades really mean. Here’s how the grades break down: USDA Prime: If you want a high-quality cut of beef, you should get USDA Prime. These cuts of meat tend to be more expensive, but for the price, you get a tender, flavorful, well- marbled cut of meat. For a fantastic steak, you should reach for Prime. USDA Choice: A lot of people purchase USDA Choice when they want a good cut of beef but don’t want or cannot afford to pay the USDA Prime price. These cuts generally have less marbling, but they are still fairly high quality. When you just want to throw a few steaks or burgers on the grill, Choice will serve you well.
Utility, Cutter, and Canner: Many people never encounter these grades at the supermarket. These are cut from very lean, older cattle and are usually sold directly to food manufacturers to make processed meat products, such as hot dogs. These grades are also used in dog food.
CLIENT of the MONTH! OMAR SANCHEZ 3 ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR THE END OF SUMMER
Don’t Let September’s Utility Bill Sneak Up on You
insulation. If you don’t, contact a contractor or find a simple solution at your local hardware store to keep the heat of summer from leaking through the cracks. Use the Grill The grill isn’t just for making great food. It also provides a perfect opportunity to save on your energy bill. The more you use an oven or stove, the more energy it takes to combat that heat. By cooking outside, you keep the inside of your house cooler for longer before the air conditioning has to kick on. Landscaping One of the best ways to protect your home from using too much energy is to keep it cool with landscaping. Trees, shrubs, and other bushes can protect your windows and other hot spots from the sun beating down on them. What you pay upfront in sun blockage you make up for in long- term savings. We strongly encourage air conditioning inspections before the end of summer to prepare for next year. If you haven’t had your system inspected, reach out to us today. Our team of technicians specializes in making sure everything about your HVAC is running smoothly for all of Florida’s seasons.
As we enter into the later stages of summer, most homeowners believe they can start to back off using the air conditioner and look forward to cooler temperatures. But September in Orlando is just as hot as August, and if you don’t watch out, your air conditioning bill can shoot through the roof. That’s why we wanted to provide three tips for you to save energy and, subsequently, cash. Insulate Open Areas Door jams are some of the most problematic areas where residents lose cold air and hot air enters. Houses will shift over time on their foundations, meaning that once-airtight sections of your home could be newly exposed to the elements. Inspect your door jambs, windows, and attic hatches to ensure you have an airtight fit, complete with
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