How To Get Real-Deal Wagyu Beef
If you love a good steak, then you know that the flavor of the steak does not come from the rub or seasoning mix you put on it, but rather from the meat itself. Thus, if you want a luxuriously tasty steak, you should spend your money on Wagyu beef rather than on a flashy steak rub. If you are going to pay for Wagyu beef, you need to make sure you are getting the real deal.
What is Wagyu Beef?
Wagyu is a word that simply means Japanese cattle. There are four breeds of cattle that can be considered Wagyu beef, and the type that's best known in the states comes from Kobe, Japan. Thus, in America we commonly use the terms Kobe and Wagyu interchangeably. In fact, you can find some American farms that sell American-grown Kobe beef, but because many of these farmers crossbreed with American breeds, their beef does not compare to the real deal from Japan. Thus, if you want the full Wagyu experience, you have to find beef that has been imported from Japan.
Why Is Wagyu Beef so Good?
Considering how expensive Wagyu beef can be—$300 per pound—you might wonder why you should pay for Wagyu beef in the first place. What makes Wagyu beef unique is the soft texture of the beef and the marbling. The term marbling refers to the veins of fat that run through a steak. The more marbling there is, the more juicy and tasty the steak will be. Another benefit of eating Wagyu beef is that it has a higher content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and less cholesterol than typical beef. Thus, you get a steak with a buttery texture, great taste, and healthy benefits. While American Kobe beef is delicious in its own right, the texture of the meat does not compare to the real thing. Thus, while you can get American Kobe for a lower price than Japanese Wagyu, there really is no substitute for the real thing.
While you might not be able to enjoy Wagyu beef every time you have a hankering for a steak, it is a nice splurge for a special occasion. You have to be careful, though, because once you taste the wholesome goodness of real Wagyu, you may never want to go back. You can't just go to your grocery store to buy Wagyu beef, but buying Wagyu beef for sale through a specialty vendor is the best way to experience this dining delight from Japan.