Chefs and foodies can't stop talking about Wagyu Beef. You can hardly turn on your favorite cooking show or competition without hearing that the chef has chosen Wagyu Beef as their top-shelf ingredient.
Why? Because it’s the crème de la crème when it comes to exceptional eating. Undoubtedly, it’s the Dom Pérignon of meat — but what makes it so special?
Wagyu Pronunciation
By technical definition, wagyu (pronounced wah-gyoo) means Japanese cow — literally translated, 'Wa' means Japanese and 'gyu' means cow. That said, the sought-after version of wagyu refers to a specific breed of Japanese cattle.
Japanese Wagyu
Wagyu cattle can be traced back to Japan, where they have been raised since ancient times, as early as 3500 B.C., when they were used primarily as draft animals or for meat production. Over time, Japanese farmers began breeding them with other breeds, creating cows with superior marbling and flavor. This long-standing tradition led to the creation of several distinct strains within the Wagyu breed: Japanese Black (Kuroge), Japanese Brown (Akage), and Japanese Shorthorn (Nihon Tankaku).
It wasn't until 1976 when American consumers got their first taste of purebred Wagyu beef – imported by Rod Gray at Central Meat Co in Colorado Springs, CO – beginning what would later become known as "the Kobe Beef Boom" in America.
Wagyu vs Kobe
Wagyu Beef and Kobe Beef are both high-quality beef originating from Japanese bloodlines. In fact, Kobe Beef is Wagyu Beef from a specific strain in Hyogo Prefecture. Both are tender and juicy. Some say Wagyu Beef has a sweeter, nutty flavor vs the buttery flavor of Kobe.
Wagyu Cattle
The initial imports of Wagyu Cattle came from Japan's renowned Tajima region. They included Kuroge Washu and Akage Washu cattle, which quickly became popular among gourmands in search of something special - a unique culinary experience found nowhere else on earth.
Since then, interest in American-raised full-blood Wagyu Beef has skyrocketed due to its reputation for an exceptional eating experience; its incredibly tender texture and intense flavor make it impossible not to love!
Wagyu Steak
Wagyu Steak is a favorite of celebrity chefs for one key reason. Marbling. Have you ever noticed the fat cap surrounding the outside of the meat? Wagyu Beef doesn’t have that — it has fat that’s intensely marbled throughout.
Thanks to the way these cattle metabolize the fat internally, the fat is integrated within the muscle. Those tiny flakes of marbling throughout all Wagyu Beef cuts create a uniquely juicy, delicate beef flavor with a velvety texture.
How to cook Wagyu Steak
Choosing how to cook Wagyu Beef is a matter of preference. The unique balanced marbling of Wagyu Beef makes it very forgiving whether you choose to pan fry or grill. Many chefs prefer to pan-fry Wagyu steak in a cast iron skillet with a pat of butter to get a good crust. The unique flavor profile of Wagyu Beef means a little salt and pepper are all you need to add.
Is Wagyu Beef healthy?
More people are now discovering the health benefits of Wagyu Beef. Studies show that monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid, are higher in full-blood Wagyu beef than in regular beef. In contrast, saturated fats such as cholesterol are lower, making Wagyu a great option for those who may be trying to reduce cholesterol intake but don't want to miss out on this exceptional flavor!
More flavor, less guilt — win, win!
Where do we get our Wagyu Beef?
We’re proud to partner with Sakura Wagyu Farms, a midwestern business built on research, transparency, and methods you can trust. Get to know their product below:
Bred from Japanese Bloodlines – With every step of the workday, Sakura Wagyu Farms carries the deepest respect for the history and origins of the Japanese breed of Wagyu.
Unbeatable Flavor – Their world-class techniques ensure superior texture and tenderness in each cut, with an abundance of marbling for a smooth flavor that lingers on the palate.
Holistically Raised – Their cattle are fed on an all-vegetarian diet with no growth hormones or antibiotics, ever.
Sustainable Approach – They take pride in partnering with generational family farms that offer the greatest care for their cattle and resources.
Ready to give it a try? Explore our Wagyu Beef Collection today.
