[header] How to understand cuts of beef [title] Identify the eight main cuts in which beef is available. [step] These are loin, brisket, chuck, shank, round, short plate, flank and rib and are known as primal cuts. From these 8 main cuts there are many different minor beef cuts and are known as subprimal cuts. 
Retail beef is usually labeled with the primal and sub-primal information. [title] Choose loin for tender, flavorful beef.