What is Wagyu Beef?

What in the world is wagyu beef? As popularity has grown, this high ticket menu item is synonymous with luxury, prestige and absolute deliciousness. We are here to tell you, the word wagyu in literal terms means Japanese (wa) cow (gyu). The word wagyu can be used in reference to any breed of Japanese beef cattle. This breed consists of Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, Japanese Polled and Japanese Shorthorn. Japanese Polled and Japanese Shorthorn do not exist outside the country of Japan. For what matters, Japanese Black make up about 90% of the wagyu breed in Japan and is the predominant wagyu breed the US imports. The beautiful marbling you find is a natural characteristic to this specific breed of cattle, wagyu. This marbling or intramuscular fat gives the cattle endurance and energy, which allowed them to be originally used as draft animals in agriculture. We know that this fat, interlaced with the red meat, as the most photogenic beef there is. How many times have you seen a wagyu steak posted on Instagram? A lot of work and research is being done to ensure each Japanese wagyu experience is better than the last. In Japan, the production of wagyu beef is highly regulated with only pure bloodlines with the best genetics continuing to breed. 

Did you just go to a restaurant and see wagyu on the menu? Wagyu is one of the hottest buzz words in the culinary world. Something to keep in mind, starting in the 1970’s, wagyu cattle have been crossbred in the US, Australia, and even countries in South America. Cattle breeders from all around the world want to incorporate the characteristics of wagyu into their herds. With these ongoing developments, it may be difficult to know if what you are ordering is actually authentic Japanese wagyu beef. Our advice? In these situations, the best thing you can do is ASK. It is not only important to know the origin of your beef but you may discover you prefer a US crossbred wagyu steak over a full blood Japanese wagyu steak.

Our favorite holiday of the year is almost here. We are no longer bound by the unchanged tastes of dry turkey and stuffing. Don't make a miSTEAK and surprise everyone with a new Thanksgiving tradition this year! 

Let FATTYCOW help you bring A5 Japanese Wagyu steaks straight to your table.

Use coupon code GRATITUDE for 40% off your order this Thanksgiving.

ORDER MUST BE PLACED BY 11/18/22. ORDERS WILL BE SHIPPED OUT TUESDAY, 11/22/22 TO ARRIVE NEXT DAY JUST IN TIME FOR YOUR HOLIDAY MEAL. OFFER GOOD WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.