what is beef

Beef is the culinary name for meat from cattle (Bos taurus) . It is the third most widely consumed meat in the world, after pork and poultry. Beef can be prepared in various ways, and cuts are often used for steak, which can be cooked to varying degrees of doneness. The best beef is obtained from early maturing, special beef breeds. High-quality beef is firm, velvety, fine-grained, lean, bright red in color, and well-marbled. Beef is primarily composed of protein and varying amounts of fat, and it is an excellent source of high-quality protein, containing all of the essential amino acids. When consumed in moderation, beef can improve muscle growth and maintenance, and it is rich in iron and zinc. However, high consumption of beef has been linked to an increased risk for heart disease and cancer. Beef is usually associated with steaks, roasts, ground beef, and stews, and it is also used in processed beef products such as corned beef, beef jerky, and sausages.