Would ribs purchased from a reputable butcher shop typically be better than ribs purchased from Costco?
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Costco meats are pretty good...typically choice cut. When it comes to ribs or pork, I don't see any advantage to buying from a butcher shop vs Costco.
Beware of ribs on sale at supermarkets. I find ribs from Sam's or Restaurant Depot to be better quality. Have not been to a Costco yet, so can't offer an opinion.
Better is subjective.
More than a few butchers buy their meat from Costco or the regional Food suppliers, cut it out of a cryovac and serve it.
Know thy source.
I personally think just knowing which company and brand will help you on the ribs. If the butcher can't tell you, you don't know what you're getting.
Like I always say, try an experiment.
Get some from both and smoke them. The real definition of which is better is always your taste buds. How you cook them, rub, sauce, etc all plays into the final product.
But you comment makes me laugh.
Are the 6.95 a lb spare ribs at Whole Foods better? I'd bet 90% that they're not. I can't imagine they're fresh, shipped in that day and in some way better than justifies the price. Next time I'm in there I'll ask.
But double the price?
I might buy berkshire or a heritage breed for a higher price. But for me the ribs I get at Sam's were good enough to win contests, they're good enough to eat.
More than a few butchers buy their meat from Costco or the regional Food suppliers, cut it out of a cryovac and serve it.
Know thy source.
I personally think just knowing which company and brand will help you on the ribs. If the butcher can't tell you, you don't know what you're getting.
Like I always say, try an experiment.
Get some from both and smoke them. The real definition of which is better is always your taste buds. How you cook them, rub, sauce, etc all plays into the final product.
But you comment makes me laugh.
Are the 6.95 a lb spare ribs at Whole Foods better? I'd bet 90% that they're not. I can't imagine they're fresh, shipped in that day and in some way better than justifies the price. Next time I'm in there I'll ask.
But double the price?
I might buy berkshire or a heritage breed for a higher price. But for me the ribs I get at Sam's were good enough to win contests, they're good enough to eat.
I think the grading of 'prime' 'choice' and 'select' only apply to beef, not pork, etc. By the way, I did a 36-rack babyback cook for a guy and went to sams and got two cases. Not bad, 2.78 LB for case price. Good ribs.
Like Smokin' says,many comp teams get IBP brand from Sam's and they do consistently well.
Also,is there some marking from a butcher shop telling you if they are pumped with 12% salt water?
Also,is there some marking from a butcher shop telling you if they are pumped with 12% salt water?
SAM's IBP are better than Costco Swift IMHO. When you buy them dig deep to get the coldest ones. I've gotten rancid ribs twice from Costco likely due to the open coolers. I took back the price label and they refunded no question but it messed up my menu. Open them up before all the stores close in case you need a plan B.