Beef Quality and Grading

Information about Alberta Beef will go on this page from Calgary COOP.

Canadian Beef Quality Grades

The Canadian beef grading system helps ensure quality expectations are met every time. Canada’s top 3 grades represent 97% of the beef available for sale in Canada. Canada AA, AAA (including top tier AAA) and Canada Prime are similar to what you see referenced for the U.S. grades of Select, Choice and Prime.

CANADA AA GRADE

A good value choice offering lower levels of marbling and typically fewer calories than Canada AAA and Prime Grades. Canada AA beef can be tender and flavourful and performs well with all popular cooking methods.

CANADA AAA GRADE

A great choice for high-quality beef. Canada AAA offers higher levels of marbling than Canada AA and is well suited for all popular cooking methods. Canada AAA will become a delicious family favourite when grilled, broiled, simmered or roasted to perfection.

CANADA AAA GRADE (TOP TIER)

Canadian beef brands that include only the most marbled (Top Tier) beef within the Canada AAA grade are an excellent choice for steakhouse-quality beef. These brands offer beef with the very best marbling, flavour and juiciness within the AAA grade.

CANADA PRIME GRADE

An extraordinary choice for exclusive steakhouses, hotels and serious home chefs. Canada Prime is selected for maximum marbling, flavour and juiciness and only available in limited supply.

The above illustrations are reduced reproductions of the Official USDA Marbling Photographs prepared for the U.S. Department of Agriculture by and available from the American Meat Science Association

Any cut of beef can be The Best Cut – it is most important to choose the right cut for the cooking method that you want to use.

For example, grilled on the barbecue as a kabob, Stewing Beef cubes may not be very tender . . . but slowly simmered in a savoury blend of broth and red wine and Stewing Beef can become one of the most tender, flavourful beef cuts.

What you need to know about purchasing beef.

What is Aging?

Aging can dramatically improve beef tenderness and flavour. In the aging process, beef is held at controlled temperatures and humidity for a period of time. During this time, enzymes naturally occurring in the meat break down some of the connective tissue that contributes to toughness.
For enhanced eating quality, look for beef that is aged at least 10 to 14 days. Check with your meat counter representative for details about the aging policy of the beef they sell.

Beef CANNOT be safely aged in a home refrigerator.

What is Marbling and Grading?

Marbling can enhance the juiciness and flavour of beef. It refers to the amount of fine white flecks of fat that you see running through the lean meat.
Beef Grading can indicate the amount of marbling in the meat. Grading is a voluntary process for Canadian beef, but Inspection for safety is mandatory.
Canada’s Top Grades, ranging from most to least marbling are: Canada Prime (available mainly in restaurants), Canada AAA, Canada AA or Canada A.
Beef can be sold ungraded, but eating quality can vary. Grading has nothing to do with Inspection.

What is Inspection?

Canada has a comprehensive Meat Inspection System in place to help ensure Canadians have access to a safe, wholesome food supply. Inspection is not related to eating quality or Grading.

Inspection can take place at the federal, provincial and municipal government levels