"Prime, Choice, and Select are the three most common grades that the USDA classifies beef under. There are two main factors that go into this decision: The amount of marbling, and the age of the cattle. The more the marbling, and younger the cow, the higher the grade. Prime signifies top quality - the very best of the best. Tender, juicy, flavorful, with lots of marbling. For context, only the top 2-3% of cattle in America get graded Prime, which explains the extra dollars."
"Yet here we are more than a century later, still scratching our heads wondering which one to buy: Prime or Choice. Will the cut marked Prime taste special enough to justify the extra dollars? If you decide to go with Choice, will it lead to regret at the dinner table? The short answer is that Prime is best reserved for special occasions, while Choice is great for everyday cooking."
USDA beef grades—Prime, Choice, and Select—are determined mainly by marbling and the cattle's age. Prime indicates the highest marbling and younger animals, representing only about 2–3% of graded beef and commanding a premium. Choice comes from young cattle with moderate marbling and can achieve similar tenderness when expertly cooked. Select is leaner and performs best with low-and-slow cooking methods. Prime is most worth the price when showcasing steaks or on special occasions, while Choice provides strong everyday performance and value across most recipes.
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