With a beautiful cut of beef, all you need is salt, pepper, and a good glass of wine!
If you have ever watched a cooking show, chances are you have heard about Kobe and Wagyu beef. But does anyone know what this type of meat really is? Well, we do and we’d like to share!
Kobe Beef
Let’s start by discussing Kobe beef. Kobe beef comes from the Japanese Wagyu cattle. This beef is called “Kobe” after a shipping port in Japan. Kobe beef is considered a luxury product and is highly priced. The meat may not contain more than 45 percent fat. The high amount of marbling in the meat gives the beef better flavoring that most people find appealing. It is also sought after for its high percentage of oleaginous unsaturated fat, which means it is healthier than other types of beef. Most of these cattle live in Japan, although some have made their way into the United States. Kobe cattle is only fed rice straw, maize, barley, and other cereals while drinking only fresh, clean water. This meat is highly prized for its flavor, marbling, and tenderness. There is an American-style Kobe beef. The American Kobe is a result of cross breeding Japanese Wagyu cattle with American Angus cattle.
Wagyu Beef
The word “Wagyu” is a literal translation meaning Japanese cattle. There are four different breeds of Wagyu: Japanese black, Japanese brown, Japanese poll, and Japanese shorthorn. There are crossbreeds between the four but they are not truly considered Wagyu beef unless they come from one of these breeds and are born and bred in Japan. They style of cattle production dates back to the Meiji era, which stretched from 1868 to 1912. While all Kobe is considered Wagyu for its beautiful marbling and standards, not all Wagyu is considered Kobe. Wagyu beef is renowned for its marbling and delicate flavor.
Whether you are a purist who loves their beef eaten on the grill or prefer your beef in a hamburger, Lotte Plaza Market can provide you with these beautiful cuts of meat. After eating Wagyu or Kobe beef, your taste buds will never be the same!
The Beef is at Lotte Plaza Market
Lotte Plaza Market is your one stop shop for all of your Asian groceries. With more than 10 locations in Maryland and Virginia, this growing market is always expanding and opening new markets to better serve our customers. Opened since 1976, our goal has always been to provide the best customer service and groceries to our customers. For answers to all of your questions, email us at LottePlaza.com.
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