BEEF
The character of 'Uncle Sam' is modeled after Sam Wilson, a meatpacker from Troy, New York. During the War of 1812, the meat he shipped to the government was stamped 'U.S. Beef.' Soldiers began to call this beef Uncle Sams beef.
Top 10 list of beef entrees (excluding burgers) in the U.S.
1) Prime Rib
2) Strip Steak
3) Filet Mignon/Tenderloin
4) Roast Beef
5) Rib/Ribeye Steak
6) Meatloaf
7) Sirloin/Top Butt Steak
8) Chicken Fried Steak
9) Meatballs
10) T-Bone/Porterhouse Steak
Over 400 million steak sandwiches were served in 2001 - an increase of 25% over 2000.
U.S.D.A. Beef Quality grades are determined by estimating the age of the animal, the amount of fat marbling (determined by looking at the ribeye at the 12th rib) and by the texture, color and appearance of the ribeye. U.S.D.A. quality grading is optional.
According to the National Cattleman's Beef Association only about 2% of all U.S. beef carcases submitted for grading are quality graded Prime. Prime grade is the most tender, juicy and flavorful grade, and most Prime grade beef is sold to the restaurant industry.
About 44% of the beef submitted for quality grading is Choice grade (the next grade down from Prime), and this is what is usually available in retail markets.
Argentinians eat more beef than anyone else, about 140 pounds a year per person. (The U.S. average is about half that).
According the the USDA, total U.S. beef production in 2004 was 41.5 million pounds.
In 2002 U.S. per capita beef consumption was 67.6 pounds. The all time high was in 1976 with 94.3 pounds per capita.
American Meat Institute
Per Capita Consumption of Beef in U.S. (2003): 64.9 lbs
National Turkey Federation
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