The Rural Voice, 1982-08, Page 43Buying meat
in quantity
Many consumers are interested in
buying beef in quantity for their home
freezer. Freezing a bulk order of meat is
convenient for meal planning and can
eliminate some weekly shopping for meat.
It may also be economical if the consumer
uses buying skills and comparison shops
before making a purchase.
Beef prices vary based on the amount
available on the market and with changes
in consumer demand. It is possible to take
advantage of these price fluctuations. To
determine whether a freezer purchase is
economical, compare the price per pound
of a half or quarter carcass with cuts of
beef offered as weekly specials at the
supermarket.
When shopping for a bulk purchase of
meat, compare the costs and services
offered by different retail outlets. Check
that all meats have been health inspected
and that the beef has been graded as this
gives an indication of eating quality.
Evaluating the price of meat is the most
important point to consider. What you pay
for is the weight before the meat is cut and
the fat and bone trimmed. The usual
proportion of waste in beef is about 25% or
less. This means that the actual price per
pound is higher than quoted. The price per
pound applies to all cuts in a side of beef
which contains tender and less tender.
expensive and Tess expensive cuts. Buying
a side will usually provide a good variety of
cuts to choose from. When calculating the
cost per pound. check if the price also
includes cutting and wrapping charges.
This is usually an additional charge
calculated on the amount purchased.
A Targe order of meat can be tailored to
your family needs. Individual preferences
may be considered on how thick steaks are
cut, how large roasts will be and how much
stew beef and ground meat should be
ordered. Also a side may be hung or aged
longer than usual to increase its tender-
ness. If you do not enjoy all cuts and only
eat steaks and roasts. then the price
advantage of buying all cuts is lost. Also
extra preparation time must be considered
for slow cooking methods required for less
tender cuts.
The amount of meat that can be frozen
at one time in 24 hours in a large freezer is
limited to about 60 pounds. Since bulk
freezer orders of meat usually weigh more
than this, it should be quick frozen before
delivery. Meat to be frozen should be
wrapped in moisture --proof and vapour
proof wrap. All packages should be
labelled with the type of cut. number of
servings or mass and the date frozen.
SMYTH ROTARY BEAN CUTTER
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• newly designed front mount bracket
• 22" discs
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• row dividers optional
• 4 row rear mount
• hitch & PTO for windrower
• row dividers for rear tires
• 22" disc
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Y1d /Tlac/iine S/zop Ll;
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THE HURAL VOIC'F'AUGUST 1982 PG. 43