What Are The Different Grades Of Beef
There are a lot of options out there. Organic, Grass-fed, natural, conventional, and irradiated. There are some differences in both how they are raised. Also how they are processed. I will give you the lowdown on them all and let you decide what is best for you and your family. So What Are The Different Grades Of Beef?
What are the beef options?
Organic
The feed must be 100% organic certified by the USDA. This means the ingredients are grown without the use of the following. Pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation. Also that the cattle do not take antibiotics or growth hormones. The cattle generally are raised in a pasture. They then can be either grain finished or grass finished. Finished meaning what they are fed in the last 4-6 months of their lives. No use of Beta-Agonists or GMO’s are allowed.
Grass-fed
Grass-fed beef may be organic if certain requirements are met so it is not guaranteed. Most cattle graze in pastures most of their life. Grass fed means they are finished in the pasture instead of in a feedlot. Grass-fed tends to be the more expensive choice. It is difficult to produce large quantities on a year-round basis. Some grass-fed beef sold in the US may be imported from countries. The ones with a more temperate climate.Grass-fed beef generally does not contain GMO’s or Beta-Agonists but it is best to know your farmer.
Grass-fed beef is a lot leaner than grain-fed beef. But, that also means that it may not be quite as tender or juicy. Leaner meat also dries out more quickly, so you have to take care not to overcook it. And the flavor of the grass-fed meat is less predictable. The animals’ diets change as the local forage changes with season and location. In general, grass-fed beef is not going to be as sweet as grain-fed. Sometimes it can even get a little gamey tasting.
Natural
This can be either natural raised, natural processed or both. Natural raised means raised in a humane way, never given antibiotics or added hormones. Also fed a purely vegetarian diet. Natural raised are generally grass fed and finished. Natural beef refers to how it is processed. It means that no artificial flavor, flavorings, coloring ingredient, chemical preservative, or any other artificial or synthetic ingredients.
Conventional
Refers to the beef without any extra labels. The cattle is still generally started in the pasture then finished with feed. In most cases, they are fed Beta-Agonists and GMO’s in the finishing process. This aids in growing more lean muscle instead of fat. Both have been proven to metabolize quickly so they are not stored in the bodies over time. Hundreds of studies have been done to ensure the safety of these products.
Irradiated meat
Food irradiation is the process of treating food with a specific dosage of ionizing radiation. This treatment slows or halts spoilage by retarding enzymic action or destroying microorganisms. It can also inactivate foodborne pathogenic organisms thus reducing the risk of foodborne illness. Ionizing radiation affects cells and microorganisms. It does this by damaging their DNA beyond its ability to repair. Furthermore, breaking down cell membranes and interrupting enzymic pathways. Organisms can no longer successfully continue the process of cell division.
There is some controversy in the application of irradiation due to it being confused with radioactive contamination. Research has found that most substances formed in irradiated food are also found in food that has been subjected to other processing treatments. So studies show that it is perfectly safe to consume.
Hopefully, this helps you make your beef eating decisions!
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