selecting competition ribs

What do you look for when selecting spare ribs for your competition cook. Do you try to purchase a certain brand or a particular weight? Do you look for a heavy amount of fat? I know not to buy "enhanced" ribs, is there anything else to stay away from. What should you be looking for? Any pointers would be great!!

Thanks,Sal

kinda surprised that with all the looks I only got help from 2..here is what I found today.

I looked for ribs that didnt have too much juice in the cryo. I think they call it purdge or something like that.

I was able too see ribs in packs of 2 vs. 3 much better (of course).

I looked for ribs that did have a nice marbleing.

The ones I found that were in a butchers case looked over trimed, but would probably do well in the back yard.

I didnt find bright white fat like I see in butts, but none of the 4 places I stoped had any different color.

price didnt seem to matter. I found some really nice looking (as far as I can tell) ribs that I paid $2.99 for and later found ones for $1.99 a pound both were ICP (I think that right) at a warehouse club.

I just wasnt sure if anyone would throw out any more tips on what to look for. I know there are some really good rib cooks out there and was hoping for a pointer or 2...

thanks for the help!!!!!!!!

Sal

Cigarbque said:

Sal,

Good question. I struggle with rib selection. I buy my meat at RD. The ONLY cut of meat that is frozen like a rock are their ribs. It makes it very difficult to sort through and find some good ones. I do try to look for straight bones and a good marbling. I wish I had a good butcher shop around here.

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the good high dollar butcher shop ( I drove an hour to get too) didnt have any that I liked, they seemed over trimed. I got mine a Karns (local store) but found as nice as ones (cheaper) at a warehouse club called B.J.'s in Mechanicsburg Pa.

I cooked up a rack for practice and when the meat pulled back the bones were huge...might have been from an old hog...still tastey but not sure I would want to put dino bones in the box..