What is Wagyu?
Understanding the Unique Qualities of this Premium Breed
The number one question we get asked at Wilders Wagyu is “why?” Why did we choose Wagyu over another cattle breed? Why is it so sought after worldwide? And more than anything, why is it so good?
Wagyu beef is renowned for its unique marbling, tender texture and rich flavor. Originally from Japan, Wagyu has become synonymous with premium beef worldwide. The Wagyu industry has grown tremendously in recent years, even planting roots right here in Turkey, NC.
To understand the unique qualities of Wagyu beef, we need to look at its origins, genetic makeup and the meticulous care given to these cattle throughout their lives.
Throwback: Origins of Wagyu
Wagyu cattle trace back to 2nd Century Japan, where the cattle began developing unique genetic traits through natural selection as Japan’s environment and isolation resulted in limited genetic mixing. Traditional Japanese farmers bred these cattle specifically for physicalendurance, leading to the development of cattle with more intramuscular fat (that’s the beautiful marbling).
From these roots, four main breeds of Wagyu cattle grew but the most famous of these, Japanese Black, accounts for most of the Wagyu beef worldwide – including what we cultivate here at Wilders.
The Genetic Edge
One of the factors that set Wagyu apart is their unique genetic makeup. Wagyu cattle have a higher proportion of intramuscular fat, resulting in fine marbling that is evenly distributed throughout the muscle tissue. Studies show that Wagyu beef has a higher percentage of healthy monounsaturated fats compared to other beef varieties. Alongside other qualities like the presence of oleic acid, this genetic makeup produces not just additional fat – but high-quality fat that melts at a lower heat during the cooking process and leads to melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
At Wilders Wagyu, we work tirelessly to produce the highest quality 100% fullblood Wagyu beef. For more information on our genetics, read about our Progeny Test here.
Living a Pampered Life
Husbandry practices play a crucial role in the Wagyu industry, and our cattle are raised with a focus on highly functioning, highly performing cattle. After meticulous genetic selection and insemination, we go to great lengths to care for our animals within a typical American production system so that they finish with a higher quality. Caring for the cattle is a full-time job, and our team of experts go to great lengths to ensure the health and well-being of our Wagyu herd. Visit wilders.com to try this coveted delicacy for yourself, locally grown and developed for maximum quality.