Are you a meat lover who is always on the hunt for the juiciest, most flavorful cuts of beef?
If so, you’ve likely heard of Premium Black Angus Beef. But what exactly is it, and what sets it apart from other types of beef?
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Premium Black Angus Beef and explore its unique qualities, from its rich marbling to its tender texture.
So grab a seat and get ready to learn all about this mouthwatering meat.
What Is Premium Black Angus Beef?
Premium Black Angus Beef is a type of beef that comes from the Angus breed of cattle. This breed is known for its natural ability to marble, which means that the fat is distributed evenly throughout the meat, creating a tender and juicy texture.
To be considered Premium Black Angus Beef, the cattle must meet certain standards. They must be harvested at the optimum maturity for maximum tenderness and processed in only four facilities in the United States, with uniform standards and procedures. The beef is offered in USDA Prime and Upper 2/3 Choice, ensuring ideal marbling for the most flavorful and juicy beef.
The Certified Angus Beef Brand was created in the 1970s to control the quality of Black Angus meats. The brand enabled the American Angus Association to influence the breeding and feeding programs of cattle ranchers, and over time, Angus became the American Standard for flavor, tenderness, and marbling.
The History Of Black Angus Cattle
The history of Black Angus cattle dates back to Scotland in the 16th century. These cattle were originally called Angus doddies and were native to the counties of Aberdeenshire and Angus in north-eastern Scotland. Lord Panmure established a herd of polled cattle in 1835, and William Fullerton began breeding cattle in 1833. His most important early purchase was that of another Aberdeen cow named Black Meg, who is sometimes referred to as the founder of the breed.
In 1873, George Grant brought four Angus bulls to Victoria, Kansas, without any cows. The farmers quickly realized the good qualities of these bulls, and afterward many more cattle of both sexes were imported. The breed’s popularity grew as they could survive Scottish winters, which are generally harsh with snow and storms. Cows typically weigh around 1,200 pounds and bulls can reach nearly 1,900 pounds.
In the United States, Angus cattle were not as common as Shorthorns and Longhorns at the time. However, the breed’s popularity grew quickly due to their natural ability to marble and produce a lot of meat relative to their body weight. Unfortunately, with no real way to control the quality of all these herds, the quality of Black Angus meats suffered until the American Angus Association created the Certified Angus Beef Brand in the 1970s.
Today, Black Angus is the most common breed of beef cattle in the US, with over 330,000 registered cattle in 2017. The breed is known for its natural ability to marble and produce high-quality beef that is marked as superior because of its marbled appearance. The beef is sourced solely from Black Angus cattle raised in the grain-rich areas of the Great Plains, a region known for producing the richest Black Angus cattle available.
What Makes Black Angus Beef Premium?
There are several factors that contribute to making Black Angus Beef a premium product. Firstly, the Angus breed is known for its natural ability to marble, which is the distribution of fat throughout the meat. This marbling leads to a tender and juicy texture, making it highly sought after by beef lovers.
Additionally, to be considered Premium Black Angus Beef, the cattle must meet certain standards. They must be harvested at optimum maturity for maximum tenderness and processed in only four facilities in the United States, with uniform standards and procedures. This ensures that the beef is of the highest quality and consistency.
Furthermore, the Certified Angus Beef Brand was created in the 1970s to control the quality of Black Angus meats. This brand enabled the American Angus Association to influence the breeding and feeding programs of cattle ranchers, ensuring that only the best practices were used. Over time, Angus became the American Standard for flavor, tenderness, and marbling.
The Importance Of Marbling In Premium Black Angus Beef
Marbling is a crucial factor in the quality of Premium Black Angus Beef. The Angus breed is known for its exceptional ability to marble, which means that the fat is evenly distributed throughout the meat, creating a tender and juicy texture. The amount and distribution of marbling are evaluated by graders, with the degree of marbling being the primary determination of quality grade.
Research at the USDA Meat Animal Research Center in Nebraska has shown that the Black Angus breed is superior in marbling to all other mainstream breeds. Recent studies have also revealed a strong relationship between the quality of marbling and the buttery, beef-fat flavor preferred by most consumers. This is why marbling is one of the most well-known elements of steak evaluation and why it plays such a significant role in determining the quality of Premium Black Angus Beef.
To make the grade as Certified Angus Beef, the marbling must be rated Modest or higher by a USDA inspector, with Medium or Fine texture. This ensures that only the highest quality beef with exceptional marbling makes it to market. Because Angus cattle are one of the most marbled breeds available, and since they are genetically pure, the marbling of Premium Black Angus Beef is truly remarkable, giving it a rich, almost buttery texture.
In contrast to commercial feedlots that force-feed grain pellets to fatten cows faster while keeping them confined to small pens, Premium Black Angus Beef values marbling for its contributions to flavor but not at the cost of animal welfare. The farm partnerships focus on stewardship and care that result in great-tasting meat.
How To Cook And Serve Premium Black Angus Beef
Cooking and serving Premium Black Angus Beef requires some attention to detail to ensure that you get the most out of this high-quality meat. Here are some tips to help you cook and serve your Angus beef steak to perfection:
1. Prep the steak: Remove the steak from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Lightly oil both sides of the steak and season it generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Allow the salt to sit on the steaks for two hours or longer for optimal flavor. Keep them refrigerated while resting.
2. Allow the steak to reach room temperature: Allow thicker steaks over 1.5 inches to sit outside the fridge for 30 minutes at room temperature prior to grilling.
3. Preheat your grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, over 550 F. Grease your grill grates if needed.
4. Sear the steak: Place your Angus beef steak onto the grates and sear for 60-90 seconds. Flip the steak and repeat the process. Flip again and grill an additional 30 sec per side or until the steak hits the desired internal temperature.
5. Use a meat thermometer: We recommend cooking to at least 145° for optimal flavor and food safety, which generally takes 10-15 minutes. After searing the steak for 3 minutes per side, transfer it to the oven and cook for another 4-6 minutes or until it reaches the desired temperature.
6. Resting and serving: Remove the steak from heat at 5°F lower than the desired doneness, as the temperature will continue to rise while resting. Let beef rest at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to finish cooking and gives the juices time to redistribute.
7. Slicing: Slice your black Angus steak against the grain into thin strips and enjoy!
Remember, when cooking Premium Black Angus Beef, look for marbling—the little flecks of fat within the lean meat, as it’s what makes premium cuts so flavorful, tender, and juicy. To make it easier, just look for the Certified Angus Beef ® brand logo: it’s your sign of quality.
Where To Buy Premium Black Angus Beef
If you’re looking to buy Premium Black Angus Beef, there are a few things to keep in mind. Since this type of beef is highly sought after for its quality and taste, it may not be available at every grocery store or butcher shop. However, there are a few options for those who want to enjoy the best beef available.
One option is to purchase Premium Black Angus Beef directly from the ranchers who produce it. Many artisan ranchers in Texas, Kansas, and the Midwest offer their beef for sale online. This allows you to order the cuts you want and have them shipped directly to your door. Some ranchers even offer subscriptions, so you can receive regular deliveries of fresh beef.
Another option is to look for Certified Angus Beef at your local grocery store or butcher shop. This brand ensures that the beef meets strict quality standards, including marbling and tenderness. While not all Certified Angus Beef is considered Premium Black Angus Beef, it is still a high-quality option that is widely available.
Finally, you can also look for restaurants that serve Premium Black Angus Beef on their menu. Many of the country’s top chefs use this beef in their dishes, and some restaurants even offer it as a specialty item. This can be a great way to try the beef before committing to purchasing it yourself.
No matter where you choose to buy Premium Black Angus Beef, be sure to look for the USDA Prime or Upper 2/3 Choice grades to ensure the best quality and taste. With its rich flavor and tender texture, this beef is sure to impress even the most discerning meat lovers.
