Steak Meal Ideas - Dry Aged Beef

Chefs these days want to impress the customers coming into their restaurants, and because of this many are now providing dry aged beef because it has a reputation for being better quality and taste and costing quite a bit more. While many people are willing to consume it, many do not know what exactly dry aging is. Before paying the hefty price tag, it is good to know exactly what one is eating.

While the meat used is the same as any other beef, the way that it is prepared is very different than other meats. Once it is slaughtered the meat is generally hung either in large pieces or in halves of the animal. It is then left for about two weeks in temperatures close to freezing in order to dry. As it dries, the moisture in it slowly releases into the air and breaks down the fibers that hold the muscle together. This process is what makes the meat significantly more tender meat, but the flavor is also much more noticeable since losing the moisture condenses the flavor. Throughout the process some fungi begins to grow on the meat and is scraped off prior to being processed and sold. The fungi are completely harmless and actually help the process of making the meat tender.

Since the process takes so long, the costs are higher than in preparing other meats and that is part of why the cost is so much higher. However, as far as steak meal ideas are concerned, this is a great option for those that want the flavor and tenderness of this delicious meat.

By: Abigail Chaucer

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--- Family owned since the 1700s, McAllen Ranch delivers premium cuts of all natural beef straight to your doorstep. Our beef is free of hormones, antibiotics, and medications. Aged for a minimum of 28 days to ensure an incredible eating experience. Bred, born, grass-fed and humanely raised on McAllen Ranch in Texas. It is the best beef you've ever eaten.