Canadian Beef Basics

Fairway Market • 24 July 2023

Delicious And Nutritious Canadian Beef At Fairway Market

Canadian beef is renowned for its exceptional quality. The cattle are raised in vast open spaces, allowing them to graze on natural, nutrient-rich grass, which contributes to the tenderness and taste of the meat. Canadian beef is a rich source of essential nutrients, including high-quality proteins, vitamins (B12, B6, niacin), minerals (iron, zinc), and healthy fats. Consuming Canadian beef as part of a balanced diet can contribute to overall health and well-being.


Canadian beef offers a wide range of cuts and products to suit various culinary preferences and cooking styles. From succulent steaks and juicy burgers to tender roasts and flavourful stews, Canadian beef provides versatility and adaptability in the kitchen.


Check out your local Fairway Market for a wide selection of cuts raised for you by Canadian beef producers.

CANADIAN BEEF GRADING BASICS


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.

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

GRADING


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.

MARBLING



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.

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 are Starfish Packs and why do they exist?

by Fairway Market • 24 July 2023
One Teachers Need To Feed Her Students Leads To Creation Of Unique Rotary Club Program

Fire Up The Grill And Make These Classic Cheeseburgers For Your Next BBQ

by Fairway Market • 7 September 2022
Fire up the grill and make these Classic Cheeseburgers for your next BBQ. Topped with our Lactose Free Medium Cheddar, these juicy burgers are quick, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get the recipe here.

Schools In, Let The Lunch Grind Begin

by Fairway Market • 7 September 2022
Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs and figuring lunch out day in and day out takes its toll. Let Fairway Market help with a wide variety of kids favourites to help fill the lunch kit. And for the days that your extra busy (ok, that's every day for a parent) we have an amazing selection of prepared food ready when you are. Keep them healthy and happy with Fairway Market. Sandwiches Drop by and choose from a selection prepared right here in our kitchen. Asian Take-Out Check out our Asian Market at the Quadra, Shelbourne and Nanaimo locations for great tasting food they will love and is easy to warm up. Deli Ready to eat favourites like Samosa, salads, chicken wings and more takes the pressure off you and adds something they will love. See you soon at your local Fairway Market.

Get Ready For Fall Vegetables

by Fairway Market • 7 September 2022
Just because fall is here doesn't mean you can't enjoy amazing fresh local vegetables. As the nights get colder you can add some hardy veggies to your meal that flourish in the fall. Here is a great year round seasonal calendar of grown in BC vegetables from BuyBC. Stop by your local Fairway Market and explore what's in season.