Final answer:
Major wholesale beef cuts include chuck, rib, loin, round, flank, brisket, plate, and shank. Regional preferences vary, with tri-tip being popular in California. Grass-fed beef is often considered healthier and tastier by connoisseurs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major wholesale beef cuts, also known as primals, include the following regions from a cow: the chuck (shoulder), rib, loin (which can be divided further into the short loin and sirloin), round (hindquarters), flank, brisket (the chest or lower breast), plate (the lower belly), and the shank (leg portion). These cuts are then further processed into subprimals and individual cuts of beef that we are familiar with, such as steaks, hamburgers, and roasts. The preferences for different beef cuts can vary regionally, as highlighted by the popularity of beef ribs in some areas and brisket or rumps in others. For example, Californians have a unique preference for tri-tip, while other cuts like brisket are more universally utilized. The diet of cattle, either grass-fed or grain-fed, can influence the taste and price of beef, with many connoisseurs prizing grass-fed beef for its flavor and health benefits.