About Wagyu

What is Wagyu?

Wagyu is a breed of Japanese cattle renowned for its exceptional marbling and tender texture. The word "Wagyu" comes from two Japanese characters: ‘Wa’ meaning Japanese and ‘gyu’ meaning cow. Originally, these cattle were bred for their strength and stamina as draft animals used in agricultural work.

legacy of precision breeding and unparalleled craftsmanship

The Origins of Wagyu

The roots of Wagyu cattle trace back to ancient Asia, where they were selected for their ability to endure hard physical labor. Over time, this selective breeding led to an increase in the number of intramuscular fat cells, known as marbling, which acted as a stored energy source. This marbling would later become the defining characteristic of Wagyu beef, contributing to its tenderness and rich flavor.

rare masterpiece of genetics, care, and centuries-old tradition

Why Wagyu Beef is Unique

Wagyu beef stands out due to its marbled texture, which gives it a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The fat in Wagyu beef has a lower melting point than that of most other cattle, resulting in a juicy, flavorful experience that’s like no other beef. The intense marbling not only enhances the texture but also provides a distinct sweetness and depth of flavor, making it a prized delicacy.

This unique quality has made Wagyu beef a favorite in fine dining and gourmet cooking, becoming a sought-after ingredient in kitchens across the world.

From Japan’s sacred pastures to America’s finest tables

The Journey of Wagyu to the U.S.

Wagyu’s presence in the United States began in 1975, when a small group of Wagyu cattle—two black bulls and two red bulls—were imported by Morris Whitney. This marked the beginning of the breed’s introduction to American soil.

In 1989, a shift in Japan’s trade policy reduced tariffs on imported beef, creating an opportunity for U.S. producers to raise high-quality beef for export back to Japan. This sparked a period of increased interest in Wagyu cattle, with several importations of both male and female Wagyu animals into the U.S. throughout the 1990s. The genetics from these early imports are foundational to the Wagyu herds raised outside of Japan today.

A Breakdown of Key Insights

BEEF MARBLING SCORE

Understanding BMS and Its Importance

Beef Marbling Score (BMS) is an internationally recognized grading system that evaluates the amount of marbling, or intramuscular fat, present in a cut of beef. The scale ranges from 3 to 12, with higher scores indicating a higher degree of marbling. Marbling is a key factor in determining the tenderness, juiciness, and flavor of beef, which is why BMS is an essential metric for assessing premium cuts, particularly Wagyu.

Why BMS Matters

In the United States, beef is typically graded by the USDA, which primarily focuses on overall quality based on color, texture, and fat cover. However, the USDA system does not fully capture the unique qualities of highly marbled beef like Wagyu. Due to its exceptional marbling, Wagyu often exceeds USDA grading standards, which is why the BMS scale is a more accurate reflection of the quality of these cuts.

The BMS scale provides a standardized method to assess marbling, ensuring that you receive beef that meets the highest expectations of flavor and tenderness. It also allows for direct comparison of premium beef across different international grading systems.

The BMS Scale Breakdown

BMS 3-4
Low marbling
These cuts are leaner, with minimal fat and a more traditional beef flavor.
BMS 5-6
Moderate marbling
These cuts offer a well-balanced combination of tenderness and flavor, with noticeable marbling throughout.
BMS 7-8
High marbling
Known for excellent tenderness and flavor, these cuts offer a rich, buttery texture.
BMS 9-12
Exceptional marbling
This is the top tier, typically seen in Wagyu and other premium beef. These cuts provide an extraordinary melt-in-your-mouth experience, delivering unrivaled richness and tenderness.

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To ensure consistency and transparency, all of our beef is graded using the BMS scale, so you can be confident that the product you receive meets the highest standards of marbling, flavor, and tenderness.