kai818•4mo ago

Question about the 28 day dry age standard for ribeyes

I keep seeing shops in my area, like that big one on Main Street, slap a 'dry aged' label on ribeyes after just 14 days. In my view, that's barely started. A true dry age needs at least 28 days to develop that deep, nutty flavor and tender texture we're all after. Anything less and you're just selling expensive, slightly dried-out steak. Has anyone else had to explain this to customers who got a bad 'aged' steak somewhere else?

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2 Comments

graywright4mo ago

Tell me about it. I once got excited about a "dry aged" steak at a fancy grill-out, only to have it taste like my fridge forgot about it for a week (you know, that sad, leathery vibe). It's like calling a slice of American cheese "artisanal." Real dry aging needs those full 28 days to do its magic, breaking down the tough stuff and building that awesome flavor. Shops calling 14 days "aged" are just banking on the label to charge more for what's basically a slightly dehydrated piece of meat. It makes it harder for everyone who actually does it right.

4

gavin804mo ago

You might be surprised, even 14 days can noticeably tenderize and concentrate flavor if the setup is dialed in with the right humidity and airflow. Calling it a scam feels harsh when some smaller shops are doing legit short-term aging, just not the full 28 day treatment.

2