Aberdeen Angus beef is quite simply the best you can buy. When allowed to mature under natural conditions (predominantly grass fed), pedigree Aberdeen Angus cattle achieve a superb balance of fat and lean with a small proportion of bone. A little fat around the outside completes a set of flavours that has earned Aberdeen Angus its famous reputation.

Althought leanness is often cited as the main characteristic shoppers look for when buying beef, very lean beef can be hard, leathery and bland when cooked. The meat should be well ‘marbled’ with fine threads of fat interwoven throughout. This ensures tenderness when cooked and brings out the flavour.

What to look for when buying Aberdeen Angus beef

• Is it pure Aberdeen Angus or Aberdeen Angus crossed with another breed? Both are entitled to use the “Aberdeen Angus” brand, but supermarket Angus may be as low as 50% Aberdeen Angus, 50% other breeds, which can severely affect the flavour.
• Marbling: hard feeding (of high protein diets) and dry climates reduce marbling and impact flavour.