Answers to our most frequent questions
How are Roseda Black Angus fed?
Why do you describe Roseda Beef as “natural” instead of “organic?”
What is “dry aging,” and how does it make beef taste better?
What do you mean by "carefully bred?"
Do you ship your beef frozen? How should I take care of it once it arrives?
How long can I store the frozen beef?
How should I defrost the beef?
How do you ship the beef?
What are the shipping costs?
How will you pack my order?
Can I have UPS leave my package if I won't be home?
On what days will you deliver?
What if my order arrives partially thawed? Is it still good?
What kind of satisfaction guarantee does Roseda offer?
How are Roseda Black Angus fed?
All Roseda cattle graze on grass. When they move to the feedlot, they’re fed a mixture of chopped corn plants, corn kernels, alfalfa, soybean meal and hay. We never use hormones or growth stimulants, and we use antibiotics only if there’s a medical reason.
Why do you describe Roseda Beef as “natural” instead of “organic?”
Our definition of “natural” comes from the U.S. Food Safety Inspection Service. It means our meat contains no growth hormones, artificial color or flavoring; no chemical preservatives, other synthetic ingredients. In fact, we’re proud that, in many ways, we far exceed the government’s definition of “natural.”
To qualify as “organic” by federal standards, we would have to feed our cattle ingredients that have never been treated with pesticides or herbicides. Using strictly organic feed is extremely expensive, and would require us to raise prices about 50%. We believe our natural methods are more than sufficient to provide high quality beef at a price our customers can afford.
What is “dry aging,” and how does it make beef taste better?
Dry aging means that, immediately after harvesting, we hang the beef in a refrigerated cooler, where temperature and humidity are strictly controlled. Over time – about 14 to 21 days after harvest – moisture evaporates from the beef, leaving a greater concentration of rich, beefy flavor. In addition, the beef’s natural enzymes break down the more fibrous tissues, tenderizing the meat. You’ll find that many fine restaurants prefer dry-aged beef for its outstanding taste and tenderness.
What do you mean by "carefully bred?"
It’s the same basic idea from our grandparents’ day, but using the latest information technology. We keep a computer database on each animal, so we can see which ones will produce the most (and best) beef, then arrange breeding accordingly. We also use the internet to stay in touch with Black Angus breeders all over the country to find the best breeding stock.
Do you ship your beef frozen? How should I take care of it once it arrives?
Once it’s properly aged, the beef is quickly cut and flash-frozen by our packers. Quick freezing helps lock in the peak flavor achieved by dry aging.
If you’re not planning to eat your beef right away, we recommend that you put it in your freezer as soon as possible. We prefer a traditional (manually defrosted) freezer with a temperature at or below 0º F; never higher than 5º F. To test the coldness of your freezer, place a half-gallon package of ice cream inside it. If the package stays brick-solid, your freezer is fine; if it becomes soft, set your freezer for a lower temperature and try again.
How long can I store the frozen beef?
If your freezer meets the temperature guidelines above, you should be able to store Roseda Beef as follows:
Ground Beef: 9-12 months
Roasts: Up to 12 months
Steaks: Up to 12 months
How should I defrost the beef?
Ideally, we’d prefer that you keep the beef in its original wrapping, and move it to your refrigerator. Defrost times are as follows:
Large roasts: 4-7 hours per pound
Small roasts: 3-5 hours per pound
Steaks and burgers: (one inch thick) 12-14 hours
If you’re pressed for time, however, you can:
1) place the sealed vacuum pack in a sink filled with cold water. (Make sure the package is still watertight!)
2) remove the beef from its package and microwave it on the “defrost” setting.
Please note: we do not recommend thawing beef at room temperature.
How do you ship the beef?
For perishable items, we use UPS Air, UPS Next Day Air or UPS Ground. Please note that we ship only within the continental United States.
What are the shipping costs?
We ship through UPS, which bases costs on the size and weight of the package.
How will you pack my order?
All meat is shipped frozen, in vacuum-sealed packages. We hand-pack Styrofoam coolers with frozen gel packs. We may also add dry ice if extreme heat is expected. We then place the Styrofoam cooler inside a strong corrugated box. Please note that all Roseda Beef is packaged to withstand up to 48 hours of unrefrigerated shipping.
Can I have UPS leave my package if I won't be home?
Yes. When you order, go to “Special Instructions” and fill in any directions (such as “leave on front porch”). Be sure to indicate the signature waiver; we’ll keep it on file with UPS. That way, UPS won’t hold your perishable order and risk spoilage.
Remember: all beef should be frozen or refrigerated right away, so make sure you can do so within 48 hours. We cannot be responsible your order if it thaws.
On what days will you deliver?
We ship orders from Roseda on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of each week. You can take delivery Tuesday through Friday. That schedule may change around major holidays; be sure to check with us when you order.
What if my order arrives partially thawed? Is it still good?
As long as the beef is cool to the touch, everything should be fine. You can freeze or refrigerate your beef until you’re ready to eat it. If it’s warm to the touch, however, contact us right away.
What kind of satisfaction guarantee does Roseda offer?
Simply this: if you’re not completely satisfied, we’ll replace your order, or refund the entire price. Please note that we may require you to return the order in question before issuing a refund. We will provide a return shipping slip at our cost.
