<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mike David P:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Konrad Haskins:
The decline of Brisket. Ten years ago USDA was strictly a guide to marbling not flavor. Having cooked, taught and won coast to coast I've noticed a speedy decline in Brisket quality. Ten years ago a USDA Select grade IBP Brisket did take first place going against world champions and USDA prime. I sincerely doubt you could do that again. In spring 2010 Sam's in Texas had full packer Angus USDA choice briskets. Cooked side by side with a USDA select from Wally World the choice won hands down and the USDA select was bland. Spring 2011 and Sam's in Texas had Angus USDA Choice flats and USDA select packers. By Fall 2011 the flats are nondescript choice and the packers select. I can still find Angus USDA choice packers at Sam's in Washington state. Costco has tasty USDA choice brisket at every location that carries Brisket coast to coat. For those in who have access to Costco business center they have a better selection of meat. Wagyu has won for me but I'm not a fan. I prefer USDA prime or Cargill Sterling Silver. Full disclosure I have been a paid spokesperson for Cargill. I know one of the root causes of a lot of calls I get from my students about disappointing Brisket results can be traced to where they sourced their meat. HEB and most other grocery stores fail to impress me. That's my $0.02. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Konrad, Thanks for your post!
You know my Dad always said, when I was learning the fine art of Bass fishing as a boy, "It's the section between the rod handle and the boat seat that count", when we not catching fish. I learned later in life that sometimes, the fish are not there to be caught. He was saying, Keep Trying!
The meat purchased for the 3 brisket cooks I've attempted on the WSM have all came from the same chain grocery store. That's the 1st thing that will change. You know, The last thing a guy wants to blame here is the meat. I do have to agree that all types of meat we purchase around here are not what they used to be. And a higher price to boot. There are a few butchers left around here. Will look for better cuts.
Lastly, It is very true around here that brisket can be labeled in a less than an honest way. Deckle on etc. Not a lot of anything besides USDA either. No Choice, Prime, etc. on the label sometimes.
Thanks again.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>
IBP (Iowa Beef Processors) does carry Prime briskets. I prepped 3-4 boxes a couple of months back. You may need to order from a butcher or if you know a meat distributor.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Konrad Haskins:
The decline of Brisket. Ten years ago USDA was strictly a guide to marbling not flavor. Having cooked, taught and won coast to coast I've noticed a speedy decline in Brisket quality. Ten years ago a USDA Select grade IBP Brisket did take first place going against world champions and USDA prime. I sincerely doubt you could do that again. In spring 2010 Sam's in Texas had full packer Angus USDA choice briskets. Cooked side by side with a USDA select from Wally World the choice won hands down and the USDA select was bland. Spring 2011 and Sam's in Texas had Angus USDA Choice flats and USDA select packers. By Fall 2011 the flats are nondescript choice and the packers select. I can still find Angus USDA choice packers at Sam's in Washington state. Costco has tasty USDA choice brisket at every location that carries Brisket coast to coat. For those in who have access to Costco business center they have a better selection of meat. Wagyu has won for me but I'm not a fan. I prefer USDA prime or Cargill Sterling Silver. Full disclosure I have been a paid spokesperson for Cargill. I know one of the root causes of a lot of calls I get from my students about disappointing Brisket results can be traced to where they sourced their meat. HEB and most other grocery stores fail to impress me. That's my $0.02. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Konrad, Thanks for your post!
You know my Dad always said, when I was learning the fine art of Bass fishing as a boy, "It's the section between the rod handle and the boat seat that count", when we not catching fish. I learned later in life that sometimes, the fish are not there to be caught. He was saying, Keep Trying!
The meat purchased for the 3 brisket cooks I've attempted on the WSM have all came from the same chain grocery store. That's the 1st thing that will change. You know, The last thing a guy wants to blame here is the meat. I do have to agree that all types of meat we purchase around here are not what they used to be. And a higher price to boot. There are a few butchers left around here. Will look for better cuts.
Lastly, It is very true around here that brisket can be labeled in a less than an honest way. Deckle on etc. Not a lot of anything besides USDA either. No Choice, Prime, etc. on the label sometimes.
Thanks again.
IBP (Iowa Beef Processors) does carry Prime briskets. I prepped 3-4 boxes a couple of months back. You may need to order from a butcher or if you know a meat distributor.
