Nothing invokes such a response to carnivores' senses as the mention of the word "prime." Whether it be related to real estate, time of life or a certain online shopping experience, prime is a term that connotates the best of the best. With respect to beef quality grades, we know it as the top, and quite possibly, the ultimate eating experience. For years, Prime beef was known for its unique palatability traits, and for its rarity, with only about 2% to 3% of the beef supply qualifying for this grade. In recent years, that number has increased dramatically with about one out of every 10 beef carcasses in the United States being graded US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prime. In the past, Prime beef was featured primarily in high-end restaurants and specialty meat markets. With Prime beef's availability increasing three-fold, consumers have more purchase options than in the past, which is great news for those who love the taste of dining on richly flavored beef.
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