Color is an indication of freshness. Fresh, lean beef has a bright, cherry-red color after it has been out in the air for a few minutes. The fat should be bright white. When it starts to spoil, though, the color of the lean becomes more brown and the color is dull. The fat can get a slimy appearance and turn a little brown as well. The freshest steaks are those with a bright white fat and bright cherry-red lean.