Wagyu (Japanese: 和牛, Hepburn: wagyū, lit. 'Japanese cattle') is the collective name for the four principal Japanese breeds of beef cattle. All wagyū cattle originate from early twentieth-century cross-breeding between native Japanese cattle and imported stock, mostly from Europe. [1]: 5.

Dec 19, 2023 · The smallest wagyu steak costs more than the largest filet mignon (the most expensive regular steak on the menu). On average, wagyu beef can run more than $200 per pound (that’s $12.50 per ounce!), so what gives? Why is wagyu beef so expensive, and is this uber-expensive steak truly worth it? What is wagyu beef?

Wagyu - a Japanese beef cattle breed – derived from native Asian cattle. 'Wagyu' refers to all Japanese beef cattle, where 'Wa' means Japanese and 'gyu' means cow. Wagyu were originally draft animals used in agriculture, and were selected for their physical endurance.

Dec 16, 2024 · Wagyu beef represents the pinnacle of meat quality, revered for its unparalleled marbling, tenderness, and depth of flavor. For professionals in the industry—chefs, ranchers, and traders alike—it is crucial to understand the nuances that distinguish the various types of Wagyu.

The word Wagyu refers to all Japanese beef cattle ('Wa' means Japanese or japanese-style and 'gyu' means cattle). Most of the cattle were influenced by British and Continental breeds for a few generations nearly 100 years ago.

The Four Main Types of Wagyu Beef. There are many different strains of Wagyu, each with unique characteristics, giving you plenty of options to salivate over, depending on your preferences. Let’s have a look at the favourites: 1. Kuroge (Japanese Black) This is the rockstar of the Wagyu world.

Mar 26, 2025 · Wagyu is a type of high-quality beef from Japan, known for its rich marbling and tenderness. Traditionally, the term "wagyu" referred to all Japanese native cattle. Now it refers to four specific breeds of cattle that are renowned for their premium quality, also called kairyo wagyu (developed wagyu).

Dec 18, 2024 · Wagyu beef originates from four primary breeds of cattle in Japan, each with distinct characteristics: The most widely recognized breed, known for its intense marbling. Japanese Black accounts for over 90% of all wagyu production in Japan and sets the global standard for high-grade beef.

Dec 20, 2023 · Wagyu, the finest Japanese beef, is renowned for its unparalleled marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor. This beginner’s guide explores its origins, grading system, and what sets it apart as a global culinary treasure.

Jan 2, 2025 · There are four main Wagyu cattle breeds, each with its own distinctive characteristics: the Japanese Black (Kuroge), the Japanese Brown or Red (Akage), the Japanese Polled or Shorthorn (Nihon Tankaku), and the Japanese Shorthorn (Nihon Shiroku).