Beef is back and here's what you need to know when buying it.

Beef is consumed 79.1 million times each day across America according to the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. And much of that consumption takes place in cafeterias and other noncommercial outlets, often at all three day parts.

Burgers, of course, are the most popular, but other types or cuts of beef are also customer favorites, such as roasts, steak sandwiches, barbecued ribs and prime rib.

The following are some basic guidelines to follow when you buy and store beef. While this article offers a brief overview, for more information, your best bet is The Meat Buyers Guide, produced by the National ...