High grade wagyu is the most expensive beef in the world – but why? What could possibly make one type of beef cost so much more than a regular steak that you find at the grocery store?
If you would like to find out, then just stay with us. We will be going over everything you need to know about wagyu, including what it actually is, the average price, what makes it so expensive, and if the price is worth it.
You might learn something new, so let’s dive in.
Brief Overview Of Wagyu
Wagyu is a breed of Japanese cattle used for their beef. While you might think that this type of cattle is no different to what you might see at a ranch, you would be wrong.
This breed, or more specifically, their meat, is known for their beautiful fat marbling that you have probably seen a dozen times on the internet.
Although this is not the only breed to have great marbling, it is by far the best. Because of this, the beef is packed full of flavor.
Not only that, but wagyu beef is higher in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as monounsaturated fats compared to other kinds of beef.
Since the soft fat in this meat has a very low melting point, it will quickly melt when you cook it. As a result, the fat will impart extra flavor to the meat itself while making it succulent and delightful.
The Average Price Of Wagyu
The price of wagyu will bring a tear to your eye, so don’t ask for it unless you know what to expect to pay. While you can expect to pay up to $10 per pound for a steak in the US, a wagyu steak can cost up to $200 per pound.
If that doesn’t make your eyes water, nothing will.
The most expensive wagyu steak in the world – olive wagyu – can set you back up to $300 for a single steak.
Why Is Wagyu Expensive?
There are a number of factors to take into consideration when discussing why wagyu is so extortionately expensive as it is. This includes factors like how the cattle are raised, the genetic testing that takes place, and the grade of wagyu.
Don’t worry, we will go to these and take a look at why each of these things matter.
How The Cattle Is Raised
The way wagyu cattle are treated and raised plays a key role in the overall cost of the meat. While most domestic beef cows will be raised for just 120 days (that is about 4 months in total), wagyu cattle are fed for at least 600 days. More often, around 700 days.
Since the cattle are allowed to be fed for longer, this gives them the chance for the marbling to occur as the animals mature.
They are given a specialized, high energy diet to keep the animals in the best shape possible and impart a great flavor to the meat.
Not only that, but wagyu cattle are raised and cared for in a way that demands the extra cost. They are monitored very closely, and cared for every day. It takes skill and a lot of time to properly care for these animals, and treat them as well as they treat us.
The animals are raised in feedlots that will only house between 10 and 100 cows, due to the decreased area of Japan. This is another contributing factor to consider when looking at the cost, as the Japanese beef industry is much smaller than countries such as the US.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing is also done on the cattle to ensure that only the highest quality cows are being raised. The better the genetics, the more expensive that wagyu will be, whether you purchase the whole animal or steaks.
It should also be noted that Japan works on an excellent traceability and security system when it comes to their wagyu.
Prints of each cow’s nose gets taken, and every cow has a unique 10-digit code. You can even track the identification numbers here.
A Grade Of Wagyu
Finally, the grade of wagyu will heavily impact the cost that you end up paying for it.
You might have heard people talking about A5 or A3 in relation to wagyu, and this represents the grade and quality. A5 is the highest quality, whereas A1 is the worst quality.
In Japan, you will only ever see A3–5 grade wagyu being sold, as the country prides itself on the quality of their cattle.
You should expect to see an A5 wagyu steak full of beautiful, marbled fat. In an A1 steak, there is less marbling, and should always cost significantly less.
How Much Does An Individual Cow Cost?
Individual wagyu cattle can cost up to $30,000! The average price of a cow in the US is around $2,800, so this would not be a decision to take lightly.
The higher price for cattle in the US is about $5,000, so even at the top-end of the case, the price of wagyu cattle is no joke.
Is Wagyu Beef Worth The Hefty Price?
This will depend on your and your preferences. There is no one answer to give, as some people will love the buttery flavor of wagyu, and others would not.
Overall, wagyu is definitely something that you should try to have at least once. Just remember that the price means that, unless you have the cash, it isn’t something that you should get used to!
Final Thoughts
Wagyu cattle are specially raised and fed for up to 700 days in Japan. They have a special diet, and are cared for by experts.
These cattle go through genetic testing to make sure only the highest quality animals breed, and their marbling has made them world-famous.
The average cost of wagyu steak is in the hundreds, with top prices for a single pound coming up to $200. The whole cow can cost up to $30,000 (compared to the top number of $5,000 in the US).
So, be warned – wagyu is incredibly expensive (and for good reason), but the flavor could be totally worth it to you if you want a buttery and flavorful steak.
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
