Appearance…What to Look For

• Select beef with a bright cherry-red color, without any grayish or brown blotches. The exception is vacuum-packaged beef which, in the absence of oxygen, has a darker purplish-red color; when exposed to the air, it will turn to a bright red.

• Look for beef that is firm to the touch, not soft.

• Make sure the package is cold and has no holes or tears.

• Choose packages without excessive liquid.

• For highest quality, purchase beef before the sell-by date.