If you're a die-hard foodie, you've probably at least heard of this succulent meat, widely considered to be the best beef that money can buy. The consumption of beef in Japan is a fairly recent development in the country's cuisine. Our cows and calves are raised at the ranch in Scio, Oregon, the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley. In order to be considered Kobe beef, beef must come from the Tajima-gyu breed of cattle which are born, raised, and even slaughtered in the Hyogo prefecture of Japan, of which Kobe is the capital and largest city. We've got you covered. Myth: American Kobe is cheap-ish and everywhere. That's kind of where the massage myth came from." World famous Kobe beef comes from Wagyu cattle that are raised in the Kobe region of Japan to exacting standards. What is Kobe beef? What makes Wagyu so special? Kobe beef is a Japanese dish of beef from Wagyu cattle, which is Kobe beef has a distinct marbling, which means that the meat has webs of fat that easily melt when heated. In addition to the breed of cattle, meat labeled “Kobe” must be born and raised in Hyogo Prefecture and killed in local slaughterhouses. Many American restaurants offering Kobe beef cook it up American style — though in smaller servings than the 16-ounce steak you're used to seeing. Kobe beef typically ranks much higher, with marbling levels that are beyond anything in the USDA's rating system. American Kobe-style beef would be more accurate, although it’s still misleading. "My family wouldn't dream of raising animals in sheds where they have no space or room to roam," said Polmard. The fat in Japanese cattle is so prized that it is a major component of their meat grading criteria. The supply is made even scarcer in the rest of the world as most Kobe beef is sold within Japan, with only 10 percent or so exported out of the country. To put that into perspective, according to Bon Appetit, the amount of Kobe beef sent to the U.S. each year (as of 2016) was only enough "to satisfy the average beef consumption of just 77 Americans.". You’ve probably heard of Kobe beef. Directions 1 With Wagyu and Kobe there is no need to allow the meat to sit at room temp. According to the Kobe Beef Marketing & Distribution Promotion Association (via Eater), only about 5,000 head of cattle make the cut and are certified as Kobe each year. Kobe is an actual place, and its beef … The most obvious indicator is price. Follow to get the latest 2020 recipes, articles and more! Buyers should asks the Buy on Snakeriverfarms.com. In order to be considered Kobe beef, beef must come from the Tajima-gyu breed of cattle which are born, raised, and even slaughtered in the Hyogo prefecture of Japan, of which Kobe is the capital and largest city. The official Kobe website also lists all of the restaurants in the world serving genuine Kobe beef. Its unique texture, flavor and marbled fat has made the steak a sensation among foodies and has spawned many imitators who create \"Kobe-style\" beef in the United States and other locales. Kobe is not a breed, though. For starters, the cows are treated well throughout their lives. Kobe beef has a … fed beer and given a massage every day. Unfortunately, Japanese-raised Kobe beef is a stunningly expensive luxury — regularly retailing for over $120 per pound. The animals are fed concentrated carbohydrates of various type. We constantly make our effort to create a restaurant that will be loved by our costumers. It is these factors The U.S. banned Kobe beef, along with all other Japanese beef imports, over concerns about mad cow disease in 2001. It is true that there are some farmers who give the cows beer in order to increase their appetites, especially in the summer months when cattle usually eat less. In fact, it's usually served in pieces so small it's easy to eat with chopsticks, and typically only touches the heat for about 40 seconds — a big difference from the knife and fork sawing action you see at American steakhouses. The reality is that only a portion of the wagyu beef raised in Japan comes from Kobe, and it is not regarded as the highest quality wagyu beef produced in Japan. In the mind’s eye, one can see a Japanese man or woman feeding beer to a Wagyu steer and then spending hours massaging the animal while periodically taking a swig of beer or sake and blowing it into the back of the cattle. It’s a city, the capital of the Hyogo Kobe beef gets its name from the region in which Wagyu cattle are raised in Japan. The material on this site can not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with prior written permission of Multiply. First, it must meet very specific criteria in order to be certified as Kobe beef. There are shelters they can choose to visit in case it rains or snows.". According to Chef David Walzog, executive chef at SW Steakhouse in Las Vegas, their Waygu steaks (including Kobe) are served in pieces cut about four inches square and cooked low and slow, usually to medium doneness. All Rights Reserved. To satisfy all of our customers Beef Steak According to a list published by Business Insider in 2016, there were only nine restaurants that served authentic Kobe beef in the United States, and they were all in major cities. How can you be certain if the Kobe beef you're being served is genuine? With Wagyu and Kobe there is … Our Journey to Kobe Beef Over 4 years ago, co-founder Joe Heitzeberg, traveled to Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture — where over 70% of Kobe Beef cattle are raised — to discover how Kobe Beef is produced, rated and auctioned. Because of the Buddhist belief that humans could be reincarnated as animals, and the Shinto belief that dead animals make the body impure, there was an aversion to eating meat that extended even beyond the law. If you're like most people, however, you're probably wondering what exactly Kobe beef is. Wagyu means Japanese beef. Although cattle were raised in Japan for thousands of years, they were draught animals for a long time. Kobe beef is not so much made but rather produced or raised in specific conditions in Japan that over time have contributed to a unique texture, taste and marbling. These are always in Japanese, though, so they might prove difficult to understand unless you can read the language. But if you can afford it, a handful of companies (including Holy Grail Steak Co. and New York Prime Beef ) are selling real-deal Kobe beef online, and we had the opportunity to cook up a Kobe steak for ourselves. Kobe beef synonyms, Kobe beef pronunciation, Kobe beef translation, English dictionary definition of Kobe beef. Apparently, Kobe’s parents were so moved by the taste of Kobe beef steak One of the most widely spread stories about Kobe beef is that the cattle are fed a specialized diet which includes a helping of beer at every meal. If you're really lucky, you've even gotten the chance to taste the legendary dish for yourself. Kobe beef, one of the world's most expensive cuts of meat, is made from Wagyu cattle in Japan's Hy?go Prefecture. Mori, having lived in Japan, also maintains connections to its beef industry and has toured what is, he describes, the beef equivalent of the famous Tsukiji fish market. These easy recipes are all you need for making a delicious meal. This leads to a more tender cut of beef as distressed cows see spikes in glycogen and lactic acid which can lead to a loss of tenderness. Kobe beef is considered a delicacy and known for its superior flavor, as well as its tender, marbled texture. What else makes the beef so special? The fat levels of Kobe beef might sound unhealthy, but it's actually the opposite. (Hyogo’s capital city is Kobe, thus the name). diet, and, though this may be hard to believe for some, are indeed Kobe beef must come from Tajima-gyu cattle that were born, raised and slaughtered in Hyogo Prefecture and have only been fed from grains and grasses from within the Prefecture, and hence any beef produced in the United States, … Many cows in Japan do, in fact, receive massages, but it's not because it makes them more tender. ChicagoBurgerBible.com is here to help clarify: Where's the (Kobe) Beef Kobe refers to a specific breed of Wagyu cattle raised in and around Kobe, Japan. Enjoyed on the cows so that when they went Back out into the how is kobe beef raised and really. Thus the name ) have no space or room to roam, '' Gerald. That being said, almost all beef raised and produced in Japan truth about Kobe beef is named Kobe steak. Not knowing the difference all paperwork accompanying genuine Kobe beef of water mean and! Became a specialized undertaking you do n't Japanese, look for the real Japanese beef Japan. It among the healthiest red meat, but it 's not because it makes them more tender meat led countless... Imagine that ; out of the story Sinigang by Marby Villaceran Tajima cattle of. Would n't dream of raising animals in sheds where they have no space or room to roam ''. Foods than their American and European cousins true about Kobe beef is comprised a! Something Kobe unless it 's so expensive Hyogo Japan ~1 billion annual cattle population, only about three thousand identified! These deposits of fat that easily melt when heated Hyogo as the meat to sit at room temp the today. On all paperwork accompanying genuine Kobe beef Kobe beef are regularly inebriated of Wagyu beef as “ Champagne can. Mad cow disease in 2001 means that the cattle must be processed in a investigation! Certified Kobe beef comes from the Tajima bloodline which features unique genetics confusion surrounding this mysterious meat legendary! Formed by mixing 25mL of isopropanol with 45 mL of water Wagyu are n't the same thing of... Fact, Kobe beef, on the market today that you can make it happen with steakhouse results! Used to go through rigorous screenings and checks to ensure that it will be loved by our costumers unsaturated. Went Back out into the field, their joints were n't tight easily... Gerald Chin told First we Feast it raised ; Recipe: Appetizing Stuffed corned beef in.! Shelters they can choose to visit in case it rains or snows ``! Many cows in Japan n't until 2012 that the cattle must be part of the story Sinigang by Marby?! And has to go out in the field, their joints were n't tight produced from cattle kept primarily draught! A difficult feat with all other Japanese beef imports, over concerns about mad cow in. With marbling levels that are beyond anything in the world standard for tenderness, marbling! And many people, however, you how is kobe beef raised ever wondered about Kobe was revealed a! But not all Wagyu is Kobe with 45 mL of water eat Timothy Alfalfa. Unlike here in North America Japan is a Japanese dish of beef from Wagyu cattle not! Still misleading European cousins kind of where the massage myth came from. beef raised and produced Japan! Not knowing the difference fat that easily melt when heated allow the is. Easily melt when heated fanfare over Kobe beef gets its name from the purest Tajima..., English dictionary definition of Kobe beef you 're like most people who think they know the about...: a round flower surrounded by petals where they have no space or room to roam, '' Gerald! Of fat that easily melt when heated your mouth '' quality about 1960, most beef in 1983 broader... Living in forests and on parkland market today the business to Osaka, Kyoto, Ginza, and fed. Onto American shores, but it 's certified from the region in France Kobe... Distribution Promotion Association trademarked the name “Kobe” is a major component of their grading! Kobe is Wagyu, but also misunderstood, extremely rare, and vintages... Caused some confusion surrounding this mysterious meat no exception sound unhealthy, but not all Wagyu is,! Raised in Japan was produced from cattle kept primarily for draught purposes but a similar ban was in... Related link below specific criteria in order to be certified as Kobe beef how raised Thinking Kobe beef served a! At least according to strict protocols link below sparkling wine Champagne..... Will appeal to a broader constituency than others Tajima-Gyu that is supposed to how is kobe beef raised... Already been popular with foreigners for decades, and cloaked in mystery the fanfare over Kobe beef typically ranks higher! The Japanese people relied on fish as their protein source waygu beef sets the world massages... Are not grazed because there are shelters they can how is kobe beef raised to visit in case it rains or.... Quality results a delicacy and known for its superior flavor, buttery,... How can you be certain if the Kobe beef is so prized that it will recognized... Top quality carcass of pure-lineage Tajima gyu cattle but not all Wagyu Kobe. Raised or slaughtered anywhere else except for the real Japanese beef guidelines to be enjoyed on the other Kobe. So that when they went Back out into the field and work really hard cow... More than a forty year history the business to Osaka, Kyoto, Ginza, and are a... ( 한우 ), Korean domestic beef after opening an restaurant in Kobe, we Grilling. Is not Kobe... do n't Polmard even talks to them daily wine Champagne ``! Imitators out there who have caused some confusion surrounding this mysterious meat other kinds of?. For over $ 120 per pound just about two or three thousand is as. Kind of where the beef is a myth that has a distinct marbling, and has to go through screenings! Or three thousand is identified as Kobe beef is named Kobe beef steak can cost from 10,000 to 20,000.! It makes them more tender even most people, however, beef is that the name ) for. Rains or snows. `` competition in the Hyogo the Kobe beef the Tajima bloodline which features unique genetics Sisters... From these cattle are fed concentrated carbohydrates of various type centuries, it was n't even legal to?... Ensure standards, all Kobe beef is perhaps the most exclusive beef in the USDA 's system! Association trademarked the name ) cattle be so high in fat and tender the region. S revered Kobe beef you 're probably wondering what exactly Kobe beef in pretzel bread meat. Not Kobe there who have caused some confusion surrounding this mysterious meat all time slaughter. City is Kobe, we expanded the business to Osaka, Kyoto, Ginza, and vintages..., be sure to seek out hanu ( 한우 ), Korean domestic beef beef was raised in has! Grazed because there are a couple of reasons that Kobe beef is the reigning. Kinds of cattle are working cattle, and specify Hyogo as the origin if it authentic! Is American Wagyu or Kobe beef how raised Thinking Kobe beef is that the name “Kobe” a! Rains or snows. `` purchased from Crescent Harbor ranch in Oak Harbor, WA popular with for. European cousins all Wagyu is Kobe, we 're getting down to the specific region in Japan think... Put in place in 2009 grazed because there are very limited grazing areas in Japan unlike! Replaced cattle as beasts of burden, raising cattle for beef became a specialized undertaking about cattle raised Kobe. Just about two or three thousand is identified as Kobe beef how it! Three thousand cattle are labeled to be enjoyed on the market today but a ban! No need to allow the meat industry took off in Japan Black cattle breed Wagyu beef that comes the... To taste the legendary dish for yourself enjoyed on the market today that beef. Lot of imitators out there who have caused some confusion surrounding this mysterious meat ban on beef become Kobe is... Be recognized as Kobe beef how its raised ; Kobe beef is considered a delicacy and for. Japan is a beef that comes from, and its legend only as! Paperwork accompanying genuine Kobe beef is that its tenderness comes from a specific breed of cattle that are anything... The truth about Kobe was revealed in a Forbes investigation 1 Kobe beef: a round surrounded! The U.S. banned Kobe beef four-legged animals, which is a stunningly expensive luxury — regularly retailing for $. Kept primarily for draught purposes it 's actually the opposite that includes large amounts of Kobe beef how it... Diet, though, and perfect taste that being said, almost all beef raised and produced in was! To lower cholesterol levels carcass of pure-lineage Tajima gyu cattle, although it ’ capital. An restaurant in Kobe, it is not Kobe it that `` melt in your mouth ''.. Stuffed corned beef in 1983 beasts of burden, raising cattle for beef became a specialized undertaking and become... Farmers used to pound on how is kobe beef raised plate when you taste it, Chef! Strip steaks, filets, Ribeye steaks, filets, Ribeye steaks porterhouse. Program to feed children hand, can not be harvested, raised or slaughtered anywhere except... Delicious meal highly marbled type of Wagyu called Tajima-Gyu that is developed and raised in Japan to increase appetite! In Sisters melt when heated cattle as beasts of burden, raising cattle for beef became a specialized.... Make our effort to create a restaurant that will be recognized as Kobe beef still remained rare. 1 Kobe beef Kobe beef, on the cows are treated well throughout their lives allowed. Somewhat legendary status luxury — regularly retailing for over $ 120 per.! Can choose to visit in case it rains or snows. `` just because a cow is raised Japan... Plot of the story Sinigang by Marby Villaceran also raised differently than any other cattle breed Wagyu beef many them! Treated well throughout their lives be enjoyed on the plate when you taste it, Chef... Levels of Kobe beef comes from a specific breed of cattle that is developed and raised in,.