Japan for the Uninvited

Costing over US$100 a pound, Kobe beef is the most expensive in the world. It’s also known as Hyogo beef (Kobe city is in Hyogo prefecture). Wagyu (”Japanese cattle”) beef is another common term, but this refers to a much wider range of Japan’s beef.

Kobe cows are fed on a rich diet, including beer, giving their meat a large amount of smooth fat. This fat is spread evenly throughout the meat by giving the cows daily massages. This care and attention produces finely-marbled, tender meat, at great cost.

Kobe cows are also raised in the US, but they are usually cross-bred with American cows, so the meat is cheaper and lower-quality. To be classed as “Kobe beef”, the meat must meet strict criteria, which is why the genuine article is so expensive.

• ‘Raising Wagyu Cattle in Japan’ (Lucies Farm)
  Site also includes a variety of Wagyu beef recipes and information about restaurants that serve Wagyu beef.
• Kobe Beef
  Japanese Restaurant Guide
• Wagyu/Kobe Beef FAQ