Let's Talk BBQ

Tips, Tricks & Just Good Advice! => Tips, Tricks & Things of Interest => Food Related Tips => Topic started by: Cinredman on December 11, 2015, 02:01:37 PM

Title: Costco pork ribs
Post by: Cinredman on December 11, 2015, 02:01:37 PM
Costco opened up about a mile from our home. I did always purchase my ribs from Sam's Club, I decided to give Cosco a try.

The first difference you noticed Costco for grabs is that they already have a membrane removed.

Price per pound is 3.69

Recently, my last three purchases, i'm a little less than pleased with the quality.

There is some shots of the rooms prior to trimming and applying the rub
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/11/0e5f33209c2c71b6c206b1e3b57c3f11.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/11/b8fbaef3490b01c4d0b7d957f63d6a64.jpg)

The ribs come from a company called swift brands. What is interesting is there is no USDA grade marking on the package.

 I do not know if this is considered choice or select, but based on my observations...I am guessing select, but am interested in others observations.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Costco pork ribs
Post by: teesquare on December 11, 2015, 02:08:39 PM
Hey...uh- Cin...check the last picture. That appears to be membrane on the back of those rib bones from the picture I am looking at.....They do look lean, but I think they are o.k. based on what I see around.
Title: Re: Costco pork ribs
Post by: HighOnSmoke on December 11, 2015, 04:01:47 PM
I get quite a few ribs from Costco. The majority of them do have the membrane removed. I think whoever was
removing the membrane left a bit on the last one. Nothing a paper towel won't fix!  :)  Swift brand is fairly popular
in most of our stores in this area and there is absolutely nothing wrong with them as far as I can tell. I buy them
at Sam's too and they are good, just have to remove the membrane. Prices are comparable between both stores
in my area. 
Title: Re: Costco pork ribs
Post by: sparky on December 11, 2015, 11:35:57 PM
I've bought hundreds of three packs of their ribs.  I love them.
Title: Re: Costco pork ribs
Post by: muralboy on December 12, 2015, 07:10:00 AM
I agree. Overall very consistent, good quality ribs from Costco.
Title: Re: Costco pork ribs
Post by: muebe on December 12, 2015, 08:06:35 AM
Some of their ribs are packaged in a solution. Sort of a brine. So if you use a salty rub they can get a real salty taste.

Otherwise I have had good results from their ribs...
Title: Costco pork ribs
Post by: Cinredman on December 12, 2015, 09:11:51 AM
Thanks to everyone for the comments. Guess I wasn't specific in my ask. Does anyone know the USDA grade of these ribs?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Costco pork ribs
Post by: Pappymn on December 12, 2015, 09:31:38 AM
I buy them too. They have always had a membrane. Are we sure the USDA grades ribs? They don't really grade pork products do they?
Title: Re: Costco pork ribs
Post by: teesquare on December 12, 2015, 09:34:53 AM
Sorry - did not understand mean to ignore your actual question....
Pork and Beef are not graded the same way. We are used to seeing Beef offered in Prime, Choice and Select - prime having the most - and most uniform marbling, with less marbling with Choice - and the least in Select. See the link below for the USDA chart:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/usdagov/8424794896/sizes/h/in/photostream/

But - Pork is only graded in Acceptable and Utility grades. - And ...surprise! the grading process for both beef and pork are voluntary - and paid for by the meat processor. We are so used to seeing these labels, that  we have come to expect them on both pork and beef as proof of the inspection process...but, that is not the case.

Grading is not to be confused with meat inspection - which is mandatory.
See the link below, which is also from UDSA Food Safety Division:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/27f02652-e30e-4772-83af-23aaabba220b/Pork_from_Farm_to_Table.pdf?MOD=AJPERES
Title: Costco pork ribs
Post by: Cinredman on December 12, 2015, 11:21:21 AM
Thanks for the information


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk