According to a recent checkoff study, despite the current economy, consumers are not willing to sacrifice their love for beef this grilling season. Steak ranked number one on the list of foods respondents were not willing to give up at their backyard barbecue regardless of cost. Ground beef came in second. This is good news for beef producers as consumers celebrate the July 4th holiday.

     Independence Day weekend is considered one of the three largest beef consumption periods of the year, with the others being Memorial Day and Labor Day. Chef Dave Zino, executive director of NCBA’s Culinary Center , said the versatility of beef makes it the perfect choice for any occasion. Also to the consumers benefit, beef offers a variety of cuts to fit any budget. Currently, retail prices for great steaks, such as T-bone, porterhouse, top sirloin and ribeye, are lower than normal for this time of year due to an increase in supply. Zino is encouraging consumers to buy beef in bulk to allow for grilling once and dining twice.

     For an array of beef recipes and grilling tips, visit the Kansas Beef Council’s (KBC) web site. KBC staff favorites like “Flat Iron Baja Beef Satay” and “Hoisin BBQ Steak-on-a-Stick with Pineapple Salsa” can be found by clicking here.