How Does Pre Beef Stay Fresh Through Transport?
Updated: 5 hours ago
How does Pre beef stay fresh on its way from Australia and New Zealand to Chicago? A vacuum seal, a steady 28°F, and a lot of tracking.
At Pre, we take our beef geekery to a new level, especially when it comes to bringing our raw beef to the United States. As you may know, we source all of our delicious beef from the temperate climates of Australia and New Zealand, where nutrient-rich green grass grows year-round. Read more about why Pre sources from Australia and New Zealand.
How does Pre beef stay fresh on its way to the United States?
The best way to transport Pre beef is on sea freight container ships, through the Panama Canal, to the port of Philadelphia, PA. The journey takes roughly four to five weeks from when the ship leaves Australia and New Zealand until it docks. That may seem like a long time for refrigerated beef, but it works to our benefit.
What is wet aged beef?
Beef needs to age for several weeks, held at the proper temperature, so the muscle fibers break down and become the tender beef we strive for. The long journey is just the right amount of time for our beef to wet age to perfect tenderness. Learn more in the difference between wet aging and dry aging beef.
The ideal temperature for importing beef
So how does Pre beef stay fresh? We have run countless shelf life studies to make sure our product is consistent in taste, texture, and thickness, and to make sure our expiration dates are accurate. The one factor we always come back to is temperature.
Through all of our studies, we have found that the ideal temperature for importing beef is 28°F. We require our suppliers to put real-time temperature and location sensors in every one of our orders, so we can track where the order is and the temperature of the product at any point. Even when the beef is cruising through the tropical temperatures of Panama, it is chilling at 28°F, and we have the data to prove it.
Once the beef arrives at the Port of Philadelphia, we work with partners as obsessed with keeping it cold as we are. All of the cold storage facilities we use hold 28°F, and all of the trucking companies we use are refrigerated to 28°F. We verify these temperatures with every order, all the way to our plant in the Chicago area.
Why temperature matters at home, too
Temperature keeps Pre fresh longer in your refrigerator. Our vacuum-sealed packaging and consistent cold temperatures let steak last longer, and you can see how in our five-day fridge test and in why beef changes color. Temperature is also critical when cooking Pre. Use our steak temperature guide to get a tender, delicious steak every time.
More resources on why Pre beef is different
FAQ
How does Pre beef stay fresh on its way to the United States?
By sea freight on container ships, through the Panama Canal to the port of Philadelphia, PA, and then by refrigerated truck to Chicago.
What temperature does Pre ship its beef at?
We have found the ideal temperature for importing beef is 28°F, and we require temperature and location sensors in every order so we can verify it.
Why does the journey help the beef?
Beef wet ages in its vacuum-sealed bag while it travels, which tenderizes the muscle fibers and builds flavor.
Where can I buy Pre 100% Grass-Fed & Finished Beef?
Pre Brands beef is a lean, High Protein, delicious way to keep dinner healthy. Use our store locator to find a store near you, browse all Pre products, or find us on Instacart.
