"Decoding Wagyu Beef: Is it Grass Fed?" [2023]

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Is American Wagyu Beef Grass Fed?

Wagyu beef, a Japanese breed known for its exquisite taste, tenderness, and marbling, has captivated the curiosity of many. But one burning question remains: is wagyu beef grass-fed?

Let’s unravel some important facts about wagyu beef, exploring whether American wagyu beef is truly grass-fed and whether grass-fed beef can achieve marbling.

The Grass-Fed Dilemma

The roots of wagyu cattle trace back to Japan, where a limited number of genetic lines were introduced to the US in the 1980s and 1990s. However, due to its national treasure status, Japan has halted all exports of wagyu cattle. This leaves us pondering: is American wagyu beef grass-fed?

The answer lies in the farming practices employed. Many US farmers who raise American wagyu opt for a combination of grass and grains in their cattle’s diet. On the other hand, some farmers exclusively feed their wagyu cattle grass.

While most of these cattle are fed primarily grass and are marketed as grass-fed, there is a catch. Many cows, despite being fed grass, are “finished” on grain to rapidly increase their weight and achieve the marbled beef that is familiar to most Americans.

It’s crucial to note that cows naturally consume grass, and a grain-based diet can be detrimental to their health. When cattle are fattened with a high-starch grain diet, their healthy pH level of 7 drops to a dangerously acidic pH 4. This acidic environment fosters the growth of fermentation bacteria, making the cows sick and necessitating the use of antibiotics.

Moreover, a grain diet can lead to various health issues[1] that require medication. In addition to this, growth hormones are often administered to expedite the cows’ growth.

Despite wagyu beef’s allure, grain-fed cattle may produce meat with lower nutritional value and perceived quality compared to their grass-fed counterparts.

Conversely, truly natural grass-fed beef refers to cattle that exclusively consume their mother’s milk and grass from birth to harvest. These cows maintain a healthy pH level of 7, resulting in a well-balanced fat composition of omega-3s, omega-6s, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Remember, you are what you eat!

Knowing that the cattle have led a healthy life not only enhances the meat’s flavor but also assures consumers that the animals were well cared for during their journey from birth to harvest. Supporting farms that prioritize animal welfare becomes a conscious choice.

It’s worth noting that, thanks to wagyu beef’s premium status, farmers take great pride in providing humane conditions for their cows. These animals often have ample space to graze, both outdoors and in spacious pens. This stress-free grazing environment plays a vital role in nurturing the renowned marbling that sets wagyu beef apart.

Does Grass-Fed Beef Exhibit Marbling?

Now, what makes wagyu beef truly extraordinary? It’s the marbling, the fine intermingling of fat throughout the meat, which contributes to its unparalleled tenderness and buttery texture.

Wagyu beef boasts marbling so superior to domestic American beef that a hybrid grading system, combining American and Japanese standards, is employed. While USDA Prime, the highest grade for American beef, ranges from 3+ to 4, wagyu beef secures a 5 to 8 on the more demanding Japanese scale. Thanks to their genetic predisposition, wagyu cattle naturally exhibit intense marbling.

Farmers can further enhance marbling by confining cattle to smaller pens and providing them with an energy-dense diet. However, farmers who raise wagyu prioritize creating a stress-free grazing environment for their cattle.

Stress and adrenaline can contribute to tense muscles, resulting in tougher meat. By minimizing stress, farmers yield higher quality meat. Thus, they have a vested interest in treating their cattle with utmost care before harvest.

Moreover, marbling significantly impacts the juiciness and flavor of beef. As moisture is trapped within the meat, its melt-in-the-mouth richness intensifies during the cooking process. Fat not only maintains the beef’s succulence but also imparts that beefy flavor many of us adore. There is indeed a discernible difference between grass-fed and grain-fed beef.

Apart from the health benefits of grass-fed cattle, marbling in grass-fed beef offers a more robust and flavorsome experience compared to the fattier flavor of grain-fed beef.

In Summary

While some wagyu beef cattle graze solely on grass, others receive a combination of grass and grains. Grass-fed cattle are generally considered healthier than grain-fed ones, although many farms still incorporate grains into the diet of wagyu cattle.

It’s essential to note that labels proclaiming beef as grass-fed are not always indicative of an exclusive grass diet. Cattle are often supplemented with grains. Therefore, it’s worth delving deeper into your wagyu beef supplier’s practices to gain a better understanding.

If you’re seeking local sources, conducting thorough research is essential. Alternatively, you can explore platforms such as Crowdcow for 100% full-blood A5 Wagyu or SnakeRiverFarms for American Wagyu at an unbeatable price.