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USDA Mandatory Inspection | USDA Optional Grading | Religious Restrictions USDA Mandatory Inspection All beef sold in the United States must pass inspection by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Canned Beef ProductsCommercially prepared canned products containing beef are widely available. The products are fully cooked, so additional cooking is not required although heating the products for a short period improves the flavor.

Miscellaneous CutsSome fresh beef cuts or scraps are ground, rolled, tenderized, cubed, or sliced in food stores or meat markets into various products that add convenience for the consumer.

To see information on some of the many chicken products that are available, select one of the items above. Miscellaneous Products Diced Chicken Skinless and boneless chicken diced up into pieces.

Steaming is an ideal method for cooking boneless chicken breasts and small whole birds such as Cornish hens. It retains the flavor, tenderness and moisture through the use of steam.

Grilling and broiling are very similar methods of cooking chicken. They both use a dry heat that quickly cooks the surface and then slowly moves to the middle of the meat. Also, grilling infuses the chicken with a smoky flavor from the meat juices that drip during the grilling process. When broiling, this infusion of flavor does not occur.

When choosing a chicken for roasting, it is best to select a bird that is labeled a "roaster." Roasters are generally older birds with more muscle, flavor and fat. The fat is favorable for roasting because it adds flavor and moisture to the meat as it is cooking and will eventually melt off through the cooking process.

Shopping | Stuffing | Marinating | Grilling and Broiling | Barbecuing and SmokingDeep-Frying | Doneness | Nutritional | Food Safety | Storage Shopping Tips When shopping for a whole turkey, it is best to purchase at least one pound per person.

Basic Types | Flavors and Colors | Pasta Shapes | Pasta Sauces Pasta is a basic staple ingredient used in cooking. It is available in hundreds of shapes worldwide and in many different flavors.

Shopping Tips | Homemade Pasta Tips | Reheating Tips | Handling and Safety TipsChecking Doneness | Light Tips | Cooking Tips Shopping Tips: When purchasing fresh pasta, it is important that you check for the expiration date to ensure that the pasta will be fresh when you are ready to use it.