The Texas BBQ Forum

Which do you cook with? Do you choose the grade based on backyard/catering/comp? What are the main reasons you chose the grade that you do? Any difference in your cooking process between the two grades? Anything else?

I have my own experiences but would like to know what you guys do.

Thanks


-Nick via Tapatalk

I'll cook what's available, but prefer choice or prime. Just think that the fat marbeling throughout the meat gives you a better shot at having a moist product. Regardless I cook any grade the same. Doesn't matter what I'm cooking for, if I can get the better cut I will. All that said there is nothing wrong with cooking a select if that's all that is available. To me it is not worth driving all over town for (I used to do this!).

I cook only choice and prime, they cook better , quicker, and are well worth the extra money IMHO...for comp and catering..

I prefer to cook choice packers, and they "usually" the same price as the select. I find that they are just more flavorful.

tex

Usually just whatever Sams has, lately that would be Angus. You guys are lucky to have choices. I have yet to ask a butcher or market guy that doesnt give me a blank bewildered stare when I ask them if they have choice or prime. So I try to start looking a couple weeks in advance to the cook and try to find what looks best and just keep it in the fridge till ready, rarely freeze but occassionally do.

tex_toby wrote:I prefer to cook choice packers, and they "usually" the same price as the select. I find that they are just more flavorful.

tex

Where do you find choice packers at the same price as select?

I got lucky, I think, I found choice packers fir 1.88/lb last week at walmart, I'm thinking that was a price mistake.

Do you guys find any difference between an angus choice packer and a non angus choice packer? If so, what?


-Nick via Tapatalk

3 star redneck wrote:I cook only choice and prime, they cook better , quicker, and are well worth the extra money IMHO...for comp and catering..

I've had Much better results with choice over select. I've never seen prime sold anywhere. Where do you get it and what does it usually cost?


-Nick via Tapatalk

it depends on what it's for, i normally get what on sale,

comp = trip to sams for choice.

The only difference between an Angus brisket and a Beef Master or Brangus or a Hereford brisket is the the name of the breed. While genetics play play a small roll I doubt if you could tell any difference in the final product all things being equal ( Feed ,Age and Health). I prefer to cook USDA choice when available. If all I can get is select I just add a little cannola oil to the injection and cook as I usually do. They always come out good.

Thanks. What breed is Excel brand?


-Nick via Tapatalk

atcNick wrote:

tex_toby wrote:I prefer to cook choice packers, and they "usually" the same price as the select. I find that they are just more flavorful.

tex

Where do you find choice packers at the same price as select?

I got lucky, I think, I found choice packers fir 1.88/lb last week at walmart, I'm thinking that was a price mistake.

Do you guys find any difference between an angus choice packer and a non angus choice packer? If so, what?


-Nick via Tapatalk

$1.99/lb is a standard price around here for packers at Sams. Our local Sams Club only sells select. I asked them if they could get some choice in and they told me that they could but I would have to buy a case. They said they only sell select ones because that's what people in this area prefer. Where they got that info, I haven't a clue.

I buy Choice packers at Albertsons. They go on sale every few weeks or so for $1.99/lb.

Krogers puts select packers on sale every now and then for $0.99/lb. It's hard to turn those down at that price - I'm not gonna lie.

I stay away from walmart briskets - they always look terrible.

tex

have cooked primes and choice.
Just have to hit HEB and every now and then you will find CAB Choice in with the selects. HEB always sells them at the same price.

atcNick wrote:Thanks. What breed is Excel brand?


-Nick via Tapatalk

I guess that would depend on what was in the offload pen in Dodge city where Excel is located. IN another life I used to haul meat out of there.

Pony Express wrote:have cooked primes and choice.
Just have to hit HEB and every now and then you will find CAB Choice in with the selects. HEB always sells them at the same price.

i've never noticed this. will look every time i go. Is the "wrapper" the same or do i have to read each tag?

CJATE wrote:

Pony Express wrote:have cooked primes and choice.
Just have to hit HEB and every now and then you will find CAB Choice in with the selects. HEB always sells them at the same price.

i've never noticed this. will look every time i go. Is the "wrapper" the same or do i have to read each tag?

flip them over and read. If there is nothing there, its a select. If choice it will have the USDA Choice logo and Angus will have the Angus Logo