Absolute Best For Our Guests
Donovan's exclusively serves USDA Prime Steaks. Amazing tenderness. Mouthwatering
juicy. Anyone that has ever savored a USDA Prime Graded Steak knows how distinctively
superior it is to any other steak. Of all the beef produced in the US, less than 2% is certified
as USDA Prime. Typically you will not find USDA Prime in the supermarkets since its limited
supply is gobbled up by fine meat purveyors that retail it to upscale restaurants.
When our chefs sear prime steaks at 1600 degrees, its delicate marbling melts right into the
steak creating its wonderful buttery flavor that is worlds beyond other cuts of steak. It almost
cuts like butter and its first bite will be a delight to the palette.
How The USDA Grades Beef.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) meticulously grades beef at the request
of a meat packer. Only beef that is USDA inspected may carry the USDA shield of authenticity.
The grading system determines the quality rating of beef based upon a complicated inspection
system which essentially measures the amount of marbling (fat specs) in the ribeye muscle (lean)
portion and combines the maturity (age) of the beef carcass to arrive at the inspected grade quality.
A well-balanced ratio of marbling and the younger the beef, the higher the grade. It is the fat
marbling that determines tenderness, juiciness and flavor. The age of the beef determines beef
texture and also effects flavor. Younger beef produces a finer texture and a lighter red color.
Therefore USDA Prime Grade has the highest rating of a combined high ratio of marbling with
the youngest maturity of beef. That's why prime is the most flavorful and most tender with the
finest of texture.
USDA Prime, Choice and Select Grades.
Although there are eight levels of USDA graded beef there are generally only three USDA grades
of beef that you would buy in a supermarket, a butcher shop or a restaurant. They are USDA
Prime, Choice or Select which is the order from the highest to lowest grade. Two lesser grades
are Cutter and Canner which is what you would typically find in frozen pot pie dinners, microwave
burritos, hamburgers and other processed food products. USDA Select is not very far above the
bottom of the edible barrel, though some major chain stores will try and infer that USDA Select is
a premium grade that is often marketed with a "catchy brand".
Beware of marketing deceptions where some supermarkets may try to fool an unsuspecting
consumer by using the words "prime" and "choice" without being attached with the official "USDA
shield". Unless prime and choice carries the USDA label, what you are buying may not be the real
thing. Some upscale restaurants employ clever wordsmiths to write menu copy that deceives one
into thinking he or she is ordering a USDA Prime Steak when in reality they may be being served the
less costly "Choice" version. In fairness to restaurants that do serve USDA Choice Filets, it's degree
of marbling could closely approach that of Prime when the measurement is very near the threshold
that separates it from USDA Prime.
When shopping for quality steaks, always look for the USDA shield. When ordering a steak at a
restaurant always ask your server what its USDA grade actually is. Often you'll hear a bit of stuttering
and a quick diversion from the subject. That's a signal to become more inquisitive.
USDA Prime Steaks.
USDA Prime is the superior grade with amazing tenderness, juiciness, flavor and fine texture. It has the highest degree of fat marbling and is derived from the younger beef. That's why Prime is generally featured at the most exclusive upscale steakhouse restaurants.
Used by permission of the USDA
USDA Choice Steaks.
USDA Choice is the second highest graded beef. It has less fat marbling than Prime. Choice is a quality steak particularly if it is a cut that is derived from the loin and rib areas of the beef such as a tenderloin filet or rib steak. Generally USDA Choice will be less tender, juicy and flavorful with a slightly more coarse texture versus Prime.
Used by permission of the USDA
USDA Select Steaks.
USDA Select is generally the lowest grade of steak you will find at a supermarket or restaurant. You will find it tougher, less juicy and less flavorful since it is leaner that Prime and Choice with very little marbling. The texture of Select is generally more coarse. Therefore, Select is not nearly as enjoyable or desirable.
Used by permission of the USDA
The Finer Details of the USDA Grading System.
The above description of how beef is graded by the USDA is basic overview. For more detail of exactly how a beef certifier measures marbling, maturity of the beef, the color of beef and its texture to determine an accurate USDA Grade, read the United States Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef established by the US Department of Agriculture.
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