13 Most Expensive Wagyu Beef in the World

Wagyu beef, renowned for its luxurious marbling and unparalleled tenderness, stands as the epitome of high-quality meat. Originating from Japan, where meticulous breeding techniques and careful feeding regimens elevate its flavor and texture, Wagyu has garnered a global reputation. This guide explores some of the most expensive Wagyu beef varieties from around the world, each distinguished by its unique characteristics and regional influences. From the famed Kobe beef of Japan to the full-blood Wagyu of Australia, these selections represent the pinnacle of culinary excellence. 

Kobe Beef

Sourced from the Hyogo prefecture of Japan, Kobe beef is one of the most prestigious varieties of Wagyu, known for its aroma, flavor, and tender texture. This beef comes from the Tajima strain of Japanese Black cattle, meticulously raised under strict guidelines. Prices can soar up to $300 per pound, reflecting its elite status and scarcity in the global market.

Matsusaka Beef

Prized for its extreme marbling, Matsusaka beef hails from Mie Prefecture, where virgin female Wagyu cattle are pampered with beer and massages. The meat is famous for its buttery texture and sweet fat. Expect to pay about $500 per pound for this luxurious indulgence, making it one of the priciest meats in the world.

Ōmi Beef

Known as one of the oldest beef brands in Japan, Ōmi beef from Shiga Prefecture offers a succulent flavor profile enhanced by natural grazing and mineral-rich waters. This beef is celebrated for its rich history and costs approximately $200 per pound, a testament to its heritage and quality.

Yonezawa Beef

From the Yamagata Prefecture, Yonezawa beef is recognized for its soft texture and delicate sweetness. The cattle are raised in a serene environment, ensuring high-quality meat that typically costs around $250 per pound. It is a favorite among gourmets for its balanced fat distribution and flavor.

Hida Beef

Celebrated for its intense marbling, Hida beef is sourced from Gifu Prefecture. Only cattle meeting precise criteria are branded as Hida, ensuring a consistently high-quality product. This beef, costing up to $200 per pound, offers a melting tenderness that is highly sought after in gourmet circles.

Miyazaki Beef

A frequent winner at the Japanese “Wagyu Olympics,” Miyazaki beef is known for its rich marbling and vibrant red color. Originating from Miyazaki Prefecture, it fetches around $300 per pound, reflecting its award-winning quality and flavor.

Tottori Beef

Less well-known but deeply revered among connoisseurs, Tottori beef features a fine texture and sublime flavor, attributable to the dedicated, rice-straw-fed regimen of the cattle. It is priced around $250 per pound, offering an exclusive culinary experience.

Saga Beef

From the Kyushu Island’s Saga Prefecture, this beef is noted for its fine marbling and mellow richness, priced at about $180 per pound. Saga beef is a gem in the culinary world, preferred by those who seek a subtle yet impactful flavor.

Olive Wagyu

Unique among Wagyu varieties, Olive Wagyu from Shodoshima Island involves feeding cattle with a diet supplemented by leftover pressed olives, enhancing the meat’s oleic acid content. This rare beef can cost up to $350 per pound, celebrated for its environmental sustainability and rich flavor.

Kagoshima Beef

This award-winning beef from Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Japan is noted for its balanced marbling and depth of flavor. It commands a price of about $250 per pound, prized by chefs and food enthusiasts alike for its exemplary quality.

Bungo Beef

From Oita Prefecture, Bungo beef is renowned for its deep taste and tenderness, often costing around $220 per pound. Its exquisite flavor profile makes it a sought-after choice for high-end Japanese cuisine.

Australian Fullblood Wagyu

This variety maintains the genetic purity of Japanese Wagyu, raised in Australia’s expansive pastures. Australian Fullblood Wagyu sells for about $200 per pound, offering a rich flavor profile that competes closely with its Japanese counterparts.

American Wagyu

A crossbreed of Japanese Wagyu and American cattle breeds, American Wagyu combines intense marbling with the robust flavors typical of U.S. beef. It is priced around $100 per pound, providing a luxurious option that is more accessible yet decadent.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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