We all love the taste of a great Blackwell Angus^® steak hot off the grill or a roast fresh out of the oven, but there are certain precautions and handling guidelines that should be followed during the preparation process.*

• Refrigerate or freeze your beef as soon after purchasing it as possible.

• Never defrost beef at room temperature; use your refrigerator.

• Thoroughly wash utensils and hands after handling raw meat.

• Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F.

Using an internal meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check the doneness of your Blackwell Angus^® beef. As a general rule of thumb:

145°F = Medium-rare
160°F = Medium
170°F = Well-done
180°F = Very well-done

*Recommendations courtesy of the Cattlemen's Beef Board.