The Beef Grading system in Canada is separated into several groups. The quality grade evaluates many characteristic which determine meat quality.
The age, quality of marbling, degree of muscling, fat and meat colouring and texture all play roles in grading.
We will look at the top 4 grades of beef in Canada.
Grades of Beef In Canada
Marbling Matters
The grade is determined by the marbling of the beef. Not the fat on the outer part, but the lines of fat that run within the muscle is the fat we are talking about when we look at marbling.
The more marbling the meat has the more flavorful and tender it is. Fat is flavour and with a more marbled cut that fat breaks down internally during cooking which creates tenderness while adding flavour to the beef.
Canada Prime Beef
The beef graded as Prime shows abundant marbling throughout the meat. The meat is bright red and has a firm texture. Prime Beef comes from animals under 30 months of age.
Prime grade is highest grade of beef. 2% of beef falls into this grade.
AAA Beef
The beef graded as AAA has moderate marbling throughout the meat. The meat is bright red and has a firm texture. AAA beef comes from animals under 30 months of age.
AAA graded beef is the next highest grade of beef. 50% of beef fall into this grade.
AA Beef
The beef graded as AA has slight marbling throughout the meat. The meat is bright red and has a firm texture. AA beef comes from animals under 30 months of age.
AA grade beef is third in line in the grading system. 45% of beef fall into this grade.
A Beef
The beef graded as A has very little visible marbling in the meat. The meat is bright red and has a firm texture. A beef comes from animals under 30 months of age.
A graded beef is the 4th grade that beef can fall under in the top4 grades. 3% of beef is A graded beef.
Grades Of Beef In Canada
All of the above grades are of high quality, the main difference is in the amount of marbling in the meat. You can be assured you are always purchasing top quality beef.
For a more detailed look at all of the grades of beef in Canada and the process used to make those determinations can be found at the Beef Cattle Research Council.
A Personal Note
As beef farmers we take pride in producing the highest quality product with a detailed feeding program and a hands on approach.
At the end of 2021 we opened up a few spots in out small herd to grow beef for a few friends and family in an effort to make beef more affordable.
We are currently full but look forward to offering up spots in the fall of 2022.
