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It would perhaps be shorter to list all the things you can't get at Costco than to chronicle its entire inventory. At the big-box retailer, you can find everything from pharmaceuticals and reading glasses to vacation packages and insurance — the chain usually has great prices on gas, too. When it comes to wide selections and great prices, though, it's hard to beat Costco's food products.

One product that the store usually has a particularly wide selection of is meat. From Costco's famous rotisserie chicken to its steaks, Costco's meat department (especially at one of its Business Centers) is truly a sight to behold . One type of meat you're unlikely to find at your local grocery is USDA prime beef, which is generally only sold to restaurants).



This is a particularly high class of meat due to its exquisite marbling, and it bears the "prime" title for a reason. It's deliciously elegant and is perfect for a fancy celebration or luxurious date night. Prime means more than just "high-quality," though: It's an official qualification that meets many specific requirements.

What is USDA prime beef? The main types of meat sold at retail outlets are select, choice, and prime, though there are eight grades in total. These are categories created by the USDA to evaluate beef standards in regard to tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. While select is leaner and choice is high-quality, prime beef has significant marbling (even more than choice) that sets it above the rest, making for a juicy.

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