05 Mar Fun Facts About Wagyu Beef

Wagyu beef is notoriously known as the “crème de la crème” of the meat industry. It is a delicacy known for its melt-in-your-mouth eating experience. Besides the taste, what makes this type of beef so unique?

Here are a few fun facts about Wagyu beef to discover why it’s such a sensation in the food world.

1.    Wagyu Literally Means “Japanese Cow”

Did you know that Wagyu is a Japanese cattle breed that comes from indigenous Asian cattle? Even though Wagyu cattle are Japanese, they are also being bred in other countries, including the United States, Australia, and even closer to home – South Africa. The “Wagyu” name refers to all Japanese beef cattle, where ‘Wa’ refers to Japanese and ‘gyu’ refers to cow.

2.    All Kobe Is Wagyu, But Not All Wagyu Is Kobe

A common misconception is that Kobe beef and Wagyu beef are one and the same. Kobe and Wagyu are both breeds of Japanese cattle, with Kobe being bred exclusively in Hyogo Prefecture and Wagyu being bred in many different regions. Kobe beef is high-end, while Wagyu offers a wider range of options and price points while maintaining quality.

3.    Wagyu Beef Is Healthier Than Commercial Beef

Wagyu beef contains a healthier balance of monounsaturated or “good” fats that the body can burn for energy and to help cells grow. Compared to commercial beef, it also features more essential amino acids and it has also been found to have lower cholesterol levels.

4.    Genetics and Marbling

One of the defining features of Wagyu beef is its marbling – fine veins of intramuscular fat distributed throughout the red meat. Wagyu breeds are marbled to some extent, but this breed is especially renowned for this because of its genetic predisposition. In Japan, this marbling is sometimes referred to as ‘sashi’, contributing to the beef’s signature tenderness, juiciness, and rich flavour.

5.    Wagyu Beef is Cooked Differently

Wagyu beef’s intricate fat marbling requires a different method of cooking. In order to preserve the tenderness and buttery flavours, the beef is best cooked over high heat, usually for less than a minute per side.

6.    Wagyu Cattle Are Raised in a Comfortable Environment

The cattle are strategically kept in a low-stress environment with more than enough room to graze, and feedlots usually only have between 10 to 100 cows. In Japan, the foddering process involves a special high-energy diet given over a prolonged feeding time of 600 days or more. Beer and sake are part of the particular diet that these cattle are fed.

7.    One of the Most Expensive Beef Cuts in the World

The meat of Wagyu cattle has a rich flavour and a soft texture because of their genetic propensity for extreme marbling. Small breeders cultivate Wagyu cows on farms, and the lengthy process of raising them increases the price.

8.    The Best Grade Is A5

Wagyu is graded on meat where “A” represents the yield grade, i.e., how much meat can be cut from a carcass, and “5” represents the meat quality grade. A5 Wagyu is graded based on factors such as marbling, meat colour, and fat quality. The grading system is rigorous, and only the finest beef makes it to this level and is the most expensive.

9.    Originally Bred As Draft Animals

Wagyu were originally bred as draft animals for agriculture in Japan. Draft animals are domesticated animals that have been trained to pull heavy loads. They are used to perform agricultural tasks such as ploughing, pulling wagons, or transporting logs. They were selected for their physical endurance, which led to the development of the breed’s well-known marbling.

10.  Wagyu Cattle Lineage Is Carefully Traced

Genuine Japanese Wagyu beef can only come from a certain breed, such as Japanese Black (Kuroge) cattle. Regulations are incredibly strict to ensure the quality of the beef is consistently excellent. In fact, there is a secure grading and tracking system used to monitor Wagyu cattle. Each cow can be identified with a nose print and a unique 10-digit Cattle ID number that can be used to research date of birth, lineage, farm, and other important details.

Discover the secrets behind Wagyu beef, from its rich marbling and unique genetics to its health benefits and strict grading system. Explore fascinating facts that make Wagyu one of the most sought-after delicacies in the world.

At Blake’s Fine Foods, we exclusively offer the most delectable cuts of Wagyu and other premium meats and seafood. When it comes to Wagyu beef, we ensure only the highest quality. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.