BUDGET supermarket chain ALDI has started selling Aberdeen Angus Scotch Beef steaks that have been matured for a grand total of 36-days.

The retailer has added six extra days of maturation to its Specially Selected ribeye, sirloin and rump Aberdeen Angus steaks, meaning the range is now the longest-matured selection on the market compared to any other UK retailer.

All the products are PGI certified Scotch Beef, which means the meat is guaranteed to come from animals born and reared on assured Scottish farms. By increasing the ageing time, the flavour and tenderness of the meat is enhanced, meaning that consumers can now enjoy 'restaurant quality' steak at a fraction of the price.

The move is part of ALDI’s wider commitment to the Scottish fresh meat industry through its long-standing partnership with Scotbeef, recently strengthened via a new six-year deal that allows consumers to choose exclusively Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb PGI-certified products across the store's everyday ranges.

Group buying director Graham Nicolson said: “The majority of supermarkets currently sell steak that has been matured for between 21 and 30 days. By maturing the finest quality PGI-certified Aberdeen Angus Scotch Beef for a full six days longer we can deliver a more intense and complex flavour.

“There is a sweet spot when it comes to maturing beef, where maximum tenderness is achieved, and the flavour has developed just enough. After lengthy taste tests, 36-days was the perfect time for our Scottish Aberdeen Angus ribeye, sirloin, rump and roasting joint cuts, while 30-days was optimal for our Scotch fillet steak."

Scotbeef account manager, Nick Watkin, commented: “We are very proud of the partnership we have built over the years and ALDI’s commitment to championing Scotch beef and the Scottish Red Meat Industry. We’re passionate about enabling more consumers across Scotland to enjoy Scotch Beef PGI and through enhanced new products such as 36-day matured Aberdeen Angus steaks, consumers can be introduced to the premium quality and taste without paying restaurant prices.”