Beef

Composition of Meat Water- Protein- Fat-

Fat 1. Juiciness Marbling Surface Fats 2. Tenderness Muscle Fibers 3. Flavor

Carbohydrates Low in carbs Carbs play an important role

Muscle Fibers Lean meat is composed of long, thin muscle fibers bound together in bundles.

Connective tissue Bind muscle fibers together Connective tissue is tough Muscles that are exercised, contain more connective tissue Older animals also contain more connective tissue

Types of connective tissue Collagen- will break down into _______ Can be broken down _________ Acid aids in dissolving collagen Enzymes break down collagen, naturally - enzymes are destroyed during cooking

Types of connective tissue Elastin- present in older animals Not broken down by cooking Has to be physically removed such as… Pounding and cubing Grinding slicing

Inspection and Grading Inspection- guarantee of wholesomeness A round stamp is used All meat must be inspected

Quality grading Not required by U.S. law Grading- designation of quality Based on texture, firmness, and color of lean meat

Grades of Meat Prime Choice Select Standard Commercial Utility Cutter Canner

Yield Grading Percentage of edible meat Yield Grade % Yield Grade % Yield Grade % Yield Grade % Yield Grade 5- less than 45.4%

Aging Aging is the process by which meat is tenderized through enzymatic action (lactic acid), which causes the meat to further ripen. Aging is performed under refrigeration, causing the meat to develop flavor and become tender

Aging Dry aging- temperature, relative humidity, and air flow are monitored to control bacteria Fast aging- aged at higher temperatures to reduce time, UV lights are used to control bacteria Wet, or Vacuum-packed aging in MAP or Cryovac, air is removed from product.

$$$ Aging costs money! As meat ages, shrinkage, time and storage must be paid for. Although wet aging is less expensive, loss in moisture during the cooking process is greater. You must decide what aging and how long is best for your particular establishment.

Handling and storage 32 to 34 degrees Humidity of 80% Cryovac meat should remain sealed until use Note- when opened, meat will have a musty smell, this will go away

Basic Cuts of Beef Carcasses- the whole animal minus entrails, head, feet and hide Whole carcasses are seldom purchased

Cuts of Beef A Majority of meat purveyors use IMPS I.M.P.S system is used by the National Association of Meat Purveyor Specification (NAMPS) NAMPS Meat Buyers Guide

Primal Cuts of Beef Primary divisions of quarters, foresaddles, hindsaddles, and carcasses

Forequarter Chuck- Shoulder clod, blade roast, chuck short ribs, stew beef, shank Brisket-boneless and corned Primal Rib- rib steaks, rib roast, short ribs Short Plate- skirt steak, short ribs, stew beef, ground beef

Hindquarter Short Loin- top loin, t-bone, strip, NY Sirloin- top and bottom sirloin, tenderloin butt, shell steaks Round- Sirloin tip, top and bottom round, eye of round, shank, heel Flank- Flank

Fabricated cuts Cuts based on individual customer requirements Portion controlled cuts- ordered by weight or piece. Most expensive but least amount of work