Meat graded in the USDA scale can be graded Prime, Choice, Select, Standard, Commercial, Utility, Cutter or Canner.
Beef that falls into this grade has the highest amount of fat and the most marbling. Beef in this category is also the most tender and juicy. Marbling is abundant in Prime graded beef.
The more marbling, the more tender, flavorful and expensive the beef will be.
Prime cut is usually served at restaurants. It is rarely found in retail markets.
Upscale steakhouses usually buy prime cuts of beef because they feel that the extra marbling of fat adds more flavors.
The extra fat contributes an additional 5-10% more calories, and 10-25% more fat over the choice grade.
Prime cuts of beef meat
