help

[bjfletch7]

I need help in how to choose a brisket... Problem is, most stores here only sell corned beef briskets. Wal mart has begun to sell briskets, but they trim off a lot of fat.. What do I need to look for?? Thanks..

[texasbill]

Dear Bjfletch7:
Sounds like you are up north. Well let me see if we can give you some ideas about choosing a brisket. My experience has been that when choosing a brisket pick it up and try to fold it in half. The futher it folds the better the brisket (typically). Wal-Mart briskets are decent enough and the price is good. But you want to choose a brisket that has not been trimmed too much (you need the fat) and look for a fat color that is white. Also look to see if the brisket has the tip on it still. The tip of the brisket should be oh an inch or two higher than the flat part of the brisket. It should be pretty fatty also. Sometimes these get cut off. Choose a brisket that is at least 1 1/2 inches thick at the flat and has a decent covering of fat on the bottom portion of the brisket. If you have a Sam's Club near you they usually have better brisket than Wal-Mart's carry. I try to get IBP brisket from Sam's. You can even go to a butcher shop or meat market and look for a "packer trim" brisket. This is describes the amount of trim the brisket has received prior to packing it. More fat on the "packer".

Last months (May 2003) newsletter has a great article on briskets and the web site contains more information.

Bill
Texas BBQ Rub