This prime rib is USDA Choice, the second highest level of marbling recognized by the USDA.
Beef sold in the U.S. is graded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). There are eight total grades and Choice is the second highest level.
The USDA describes Choice as “high quality, but has less marbling than Prime” which means our beef at this level is excellent. Whenever possible, we work to use beef from the top one third of Choice for the highest quality possible within the grade.
Marbling, or intramuscular fat, is the most important factor used to grade beef in the U.S. and around the world. This is determined by a visual inspection of the amount and distribution of intramuscular fat between the 12th and 13th rib. Historically, this single inspection provides a correct indicator of the entire carcass.