Japanese Wagyu

Japanese Wagyu is often heralded as the finest beef in the world thanks to the high standards of raising and breeding upheld by our suppliers. We only stock the very best beef and this collection of Wagyu is no exception. Find the best Wagyu beef online in the UK.

Included in our handpicked selection of the finest beef available is a range of excellent cuts from the highly prized Wagyu cattle sourced directly from Japan. The richness of Japanese Wagyu beef means a little goes a long way. The intense marbling of fat dissolves into the meat as it cooks, giving it an amazing flavour and a melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Cattle Raised Under Strict Regulations in Gunma Prefecture

Gunma Prefecture, located in the Kanto region of Japan, is renowned for its high-quality Wagyu beef produced through strict regulations and a commitment to exceptional husbandry practices. Cattle farming in Gunma follows stringent guidelines to ensure the production of top-grade Wagyu, known for its marbling, tenderness and rich flavour.

What is Japanese Wagyu Beef?

Japanese Wagyu beef is a highly prized and sought-after type of beef originating from Japan, known for its exceptional marbling, tenderness and rich flavour. Wagyu, which translates to 'Japanese cattle', encompasses several breeds, with the Japanese Black (Kuroge Washu), Japanese Brown (Akage Washu), Japanese Shorthorn (Nihon Tankaku Washu) and Japanese Polled (Mukaku Washu) being the primary ones. Among these, Japanese Black is the most prevalent and renowned for producing high-quality Wagyu beef.

Here are key characteristics and features of Japanese Wagyu beef:

• Marbling: One of the defining characteristics of Wagyu beef is its high degree of marbling. Marbling refers to the fat that appears as fine, white lines throughout the meat. This marbling contributes to the beef's tenderness, juiciness and unique flavour.
• Grading System: Japanese Wagyu beef is subject to a strict grading system that evaluates various aspects, including marbling, colour, texture and overall quality.
• Breeding and Genetics: Wagyu cattle are carefully bred and selected to maintain and enhance desirable genetic traits. Cattle are often raised in specific regions of Japan and their lineage can be traced to ensure purity and adherence to breed standards.
• Feeding and Environment: Wagyu cattle are raised in a controlled and stress-free environment. Farmers pay careful attention to factors such as diet, exercise and living conditions to ensure the well-being of the animals. Specialized feeding regimens, including the use of high-quality grains, contribute to the development of the characteristic marbling.
• Regional Varieties: Different regions in Japan are known for producing specific varieties of Wagyu beef with unique characteristics. For example, Kobe beef comes from the Hyogo Prefecture and is renowned for its tenderness and intense marbling. Other famous varieties include Matsusaka beef, Yonezawa beef, and Tajima beef.
• Health Benefits: While Wagyu beef is known for its rich flavour, the high level of monounsaturated fats in the marbling is believed to have potential health benefits. These fats include oleic acid, which is also found in olive oil.
• Global Recognition: Japanese Wagyu beef has gained international acclaim and its export is regulated to maintain the breed's integrity and uphold quality standards. The meat is often considered a delicacy and is featured in high-end restaurants around the world.
• Cooking Techniques: Due to its high-fat content and marbling, Wagyu beef is often best appreciated through cooking methods that allow the fat to melt and infuse the meat with flavour. Common cooking methods include grilling, pan-searing and shabu-shabu (a Japanese hot pot).

Discover more about Beef Marbre Score grading on our blog.

Japanese Wagyu Grades

The grading system for Wagyu is very detailed and is based on specific criteria such as marbling, meat colour and brightness, firmness and texture and the quality of fat. Generally, the Japanese Wagyu beef is classified with a Beef Marble Score (BMS) from 1 to 12, along with a letter from A to C and a number from 1 to five, with A5 BMS 10-12 being the finest wagyu you can find.

What is A5 Wagyu?

'Wagyu A5' is the highest grade of Japanese Wagyu beef and is considered one of the most luxurious and high-quality meats in the world. The 'A' in A5 represents the highest yield grade, indicating the amount of usable meat obtained from the carcass and '5' is the top quality grade, emphasising marbling, colour, firmness and fat quality. Here's what each part of the A5 Wagyu beef grade signifies:

• A (Yield Grade): A represents the highest yield grade, meaning the carcass has a high percentage of usable meat. This ensures that you get more meat per unit of the carcass.
• 5 (Quality Grade): 5 represents the highest quality grade. This includes factors such as marbling (intramuscular fat), meat colour and brightness, firmness and texture, and the quality of fat. A higher quality grade signifies superior overall beef quality.
• Beef Marbling Standard (BMS) Score: Within the A5 grade, various BMS scores range from 1 to 12. BMS specifically measures the amount and distribution of intramuscular fat or marbling. A higher BMS score indicates more intricate marbling and a richer flavour.

Japanese Wagyu A5 is known for its exceptional tenderness, melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery flavour due to its high levels of marbling. The fat in A5 Wagyu has a lower melting point than regular beef fat, which contributes to its unique mouthfeel.

A5 Wagyu Steak: Delicious Versatility

Different cuts of A5 Wagyu steaks, including Wagyu fillet, Wagyu sirloin, Wagyu ribeye, Wagyu rump and Wagyu bavette, offer varying textures and flavours:

• Wagyu Fillet (Tenderloin): The fillet is one of the most tender cuts and in A5 Wagyu, it is exceptionally buttery and melt-in-your-mouth. It's characterised by its tenderness rather than intense marbling. It's a great choice for those who prefer a leaner yet incredibly tender steak.
• Wagyu Sirloin: The sirloin is a well-marbled and flavourful cut. In A5 Wagyu, the sirloin retains its tenderness but also has a good amount of intramuscular fat, contributing to a rich and savoury taste. It strikes a good balance between tenderness and marbling.
• Wagyu Ribeye: The ribeye is known for its generous marbling and is often considered one of the most flavorful cuts. In A5 Wagyu, the ribeye is exceptionally well-marbled, resulting in a juicy and intensely beefy flavour. It's a favourite for those who appreciate a hearty, well-marbled steak.
• Wagyu Rump (Top Sirloin): The rump, also known as the top sirloin, is a leaner cut compared to other Wagyu cuts. While it may not have as much marbling as the ribeye or sirloin, A5 Wagyu rump is still tender and carries a unique flavour profile. It's a good choice for those seeking a leaner Wagyu option.
• Wagyu Bavette (Flank Steak): The bavette, or flank steak, is a thin and flavourful cut. In A5 Wagyu, the bavette offers a good balance of tenderness and beefy flavour. It's often enjoyed for its unique texture and can be a more economical option compared to other prime cuts.

How to Cook Japanese Wagyu Beef A5?

When preparing A5 Japanese steak it's recommended to keep the cooking process simple to let the natural flavours of the meat shine. Cooking methods like grilling, pan-searing or using a teppanyaki grill are popular choices. Due to the richness of A5 Wagyu, smaller portions are often sufficient to savour its exquisite taste. Additionally, it's crucial to handle and cook Japanese Wagyu steak with care to preserve its delicate texture and flavour.

Wagyu Beef Price

The price of Wagyu beef can vary widely depending on factors such as the grade of the meat, the region where it is produced, and the specific cut of the beef. Wagyu beef is known for its high level of marbling, resulting in tender and flavourful meat.

In general, Wagyu steak price is considered a premium and luxury product, and as such, it tends to be more expensive than regular beef. Prices can range from £40 for lower-grade Wagyu to several hundred pounds per gram for higher-grade and more exclusive cuts.

Why is Wagyu Beef so Expensive?

How much is wagyu beef worth in the UK? It's important to note that Japanese a5 Wagyu is often graded based on its marbling and meat quality, with higher grades commanding higher prices. The most well-known types of Wagyu beef come from Japan, with Japanese Kobe beef being one of the most famous and expensive varieties.

Keep in mind that prices can also be influenced by factors such as import costs, availability and market demand. If you are interested in purchasing Japanese meat, it's recommended to check with your online retailers for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

Buy Japanese Wagyu London UK

Here at Fine Food Specialist we are known for offering a range of high-quality and specialty food products, including premium meats like Japanese Wagyu beef. We have a reputation for providing authentic products and offer a variety of Wagyu beef cuts and grades, allowing customers to choose based on their preferences and requirements.