Post by BBQ Butcher on Dec 7, 2006 7:47:51 GMT -5
During a recent "lab" in advanced foods, we learned about the different
cuts. We also learned that some beef cuts sell for 1$ per pound and other
cuts sell for 7$ per pound. I would love to know the true reason. Ive
eliminated the supply and demand because every cow has the same thing. I was
told, tenderness was a major reason, but i still dont believe this. Can you
inform me of the reasons, or is it just plain human stupidity? thank you.
cuts. We also learned that some beef cuts sell for 1$ per pound and other
cuts sell for 7$ per pound. I would love to know the true reason. Ive
eliminated the supply and demand because every cow has the same thing. I was
told, tenderness was a major reason, but i still dont believe this. Can you
inform me of the reasons, or is it just plain human stupidity? thank you.
David, a lot of it is due to 'supply and demand'.....if Chuck Steak and Filet Mignon were both $1 a pound, what would the consumer buy??? Exactly....
Your prices must reflect 'wholesale' rather than 'retail', as around here the stores are selling beef anywhere from $4 to $20 a pound.
Ok, back to your question. Yes, every cow does have the same thing, however there are only a 'few' of some things and ' a lot' of other things. For example......One whole cow will give you approx 20 Top Round Steaks, but only 2 Flank Steaks. Thirty Chuck Steaks vs. only four Skirt Steaks. Therefore the abundant steaks are priced lower and the less abundant, hard to find steaks are priced higher.
As far as tenderness goes, that is true to an extent, refer back to my first paragraph. Most meats from the Beef Chuck (forequarter) are considered tough, hence the lower price to move the product. Meat from the Round (hindquarter) are considered a little more tender than the Chuck and will command a higher price. Beef Cuts from the Loin and the Rib are considered the most tender and also the least abundant, which is why these cuts will get the higher price. The Tenderloin, only two to a cow, and the most tender muscle of all, will fetch the highest price.
Hope this answers your question....