Wagyu steak was served at a "Stimulus Package" White House cocktail party hosted by President Obama last night, and, as a result, something of an uproar has ensued. Why? Perhaps the fact that Wagyu steak costs at least $59 a pound has something to do with it, but that's just a guess. It's unclear whether any of the distinguished members of Congress who were in attendance voiced any complaints, but the news has certainly raised eyebrows in the blogosphere.
What is Wagyu Steak?
Wagyu is a breed of cattle that is raised in Japan. The beef that derives from Wagyu cattle is called Kobe beef, and it is considered a delicacy in Japan. What distinguishes Kobe beef from other cuts of beef is the fact that it is extremely well marbled. Kobe beef is also healthier than other cuts of beef because it contains a higher percentage of unsaturated fat. Reportedly, Kobe beef from Japan can cost as much as $300 a pound - a staggering amount by any stretch of the imagination. In order to be designated Kobe beef, the Wagyu has to come from Kobe, Japan. Moreover, to pass muster, the beef must meet extremely stringent production standards. The reason that Kobe beef is so laden with white marbling is that, for hundreds of years, Japanese ranchers have been breeding cattle specifically for this purpose.
Why is Wagyu Steak so Expensive?
Though, as noted above, Kobe beef is healthier than other types of beef, the demand for it in the United States is very limited. Consequently, demand for the meat is concentrated primarily in Japan. Kobe beef must be shipped to the U.S., and this is a very expensive proposition.
What Does Wagyu Steak Taste Like?
It should be noted that Wagyu beef does not taste like chicken. Consumers of the delicacy note that it imparts a rather sweet, yet tangy flavor. It is more subtle and nuanced in flavor than American beef; indeed it is smoother and more delicate than what the typical American beef eater is used to.
Wagyu Steak and President Obama: Trouble or Much Ado About Nothing?
What is Wagyu Steak?
Wagyu is a breed of cattle that is raised in Japan. The beef that derives from Wagyu cattle is called Kobe beef, and it is considered a delicacy in Japan. What distinguishes Kobe beef from other cuts of beef is the fact that it is extremely well marbled. Kobe beef is also healthier than other cuts of beef because it contains a higher percentage of unsaturated fat. Reportedly, Kobe beef from Japan can cost as much as $300 a pound - a staggering amount by any stretch of the imagination. In order to be designated Kobe beef, the Wagyu has to come from Kobe, Japan. Moreover, to pass muster, the beef must meet extremely stringent production standards. The reason that Kobe beef is so laden with white marbling is that, for hundreds of years, Japanese ranchers have been breeding cattle specifically for this purpose.
Why is Wagyu Steak so Expensive?
Though, as noted above, Kobe beef is healthier than other types of beef, the demand for it in the United States is very limited. Consequently, demand for the meat is concentrated primarily in Japan. Kobe beef must be shipped to the U.S., and this is a very expensive proposition.
What Does Wagyu Steak Taste Like?
It should be noted that Wagyu beef does not taste like chicken. Consumers of the delicacy note that it imparts a rather sweet, yet tangy flavor. It is more subtle and nuanced in flavor than American beef; indeed it is smoother and more delicate than what the typical American beef eater is used to.
Wagyu Steak and President Obama: Trouble or Much Ado About Nothing?
Comments
AmericanWagyuBreeder
(Guest)
(Guest)
04/09/2009
It appears that the author failed to do proper research before writing this article. NO, Wagyu is NOT shipped solely from Japan and demand for the meat is NOT concentrated in Japan. In fact, there is a high demand for this delicious meat right here in the U.S.A. and there are hard working, American ranchers raising these animals all over the country. My family breeds these animals and we would be delighted if President Obama decided to try our beef. Wagyu beef is more expensive precisely because it meets a higher grade than your average meat sold in a grocery store. Uneducated consumers are quick to criticize when they do not understand the cost of raising an animal from birth to slaughter.
blueskyseas
(Guest)
(Guest)
03/17/2009
Not saying it's right or wrong for Obama to serve it, but just sayin' Bush served it too.
August, 2008
Cuisine & Wine Asia /
Have you heard? Australian Pure Blue Meats Now Served In White House
After dining on Australian Wagyu flown in by Pure Blue Meats, President Bush has given his approval for the brand of beef to be exclusively supplied to Blair House, Washington's official state guest house, where the premium Australian Wagyu will be served to some of the most powerful people in the world.
http://www.vicsmeat.com.sg/fa...
http://www.purebluemeats.com....
Technically wagyu steak is not Kobe beef. Wagyu is genetically the same as the cows in Kobe that get turned into Kobe beef, but the practices from birth to table are quite different. And finding Wagyu over $100 is actually pretty hard. While standard Wagyu frequently heads north of $40 per pound, Lobel's offers Wagyu brisket at $62.98 for 4 pounds.
I am not surprised the press goes to the worst possible inte
nooneyouknow
(Guest)
(Guest)
02/03/2009
I read that presidents pay for all food consumed in the white house with the exception of state dinners.
Anonymous
(Guest)
(Guest)
02/01/2009
"While diplomacy requires a bit of purchasing from foreign countries for some State events:.....RUBBISH! The govt. is not compelled to serve ANY foreign produced food at stupid cocktail parties. In fact, in light of the economy, ALL food should be American grown.
Why the hell do the politicians need a cocktail party after passing an idiotic bill? That is just one more slap in the face of taxpayers. Obama is showing his true colors and we can't afford his socailist tastes.
Gregg Kemp
(Guest)
(Guest)
01/30/2009
The point is that this beef is EXPENSIVE, and while President Obama is pointing out the how horrible it is to waste tax payer money, telling all of America to work a little harder, a little longer, to turn down our heat not drive SUV's and not EAT AS MUCH AS WE WANT. He is serving American KOBE and martinis on the tax payers dime. This guy claimed that he would walk the walk. All I see is talking the talk.
George Faison @ DeBragga.com, NY's Butcher
(Guest)
(Guest)
01/30/2009
I am not surprised the press goes to the worst possible interpretation. Some of the world's finest Wagyu is being produced in the United States and the vast majority of it is being repsonsibly raised : no hormones, no antibiotics, no animal by-product protein additives to feed, excellent animal welfare , good return to the rancher and best of all.....it tastes fantastic. And while the Japanese Wagyu is very expensive, there are options to enjoy highly marbled american Wagyu for a very reasonable price by using some of the less known cuts, like Top sirloin, or flat iron, or boneless chuck ribs, etc which are all outrageously marbled. Yes we are experiencing tough times. But the worst thing we can do is vilify the best that we do when we don;t know the facts. Such is the cost of fear, EAT AMERICAN WAGYU! www.debragga.com
Matthew J Cherni, MS, DVM
(Guest)
(Guest)
01/30/2009
Wagyu beef is being produced in the United States and George Bush served it on more than one occassion to the White House press corps. I am a breeder of Japanese Black cattle which is the breed most often called Wagyu. These cattle have the ability to produce extremely high quality beef at a lower cost than what can be achieved by using breeds common in the United States.
While diplomacy requires a bit of purchasing from foreign countries for some State events, my personal feelings are that the White House should be serving as much local, American-produced food as possible. I realize that our government feels they are entitled to a more "lavish" lifestyle in accordance with their salaries. I think the days of hot dogs at a Presidential event need a resurgence.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm
Something different- great reporting. I would agree! Miniature meatballs made with hamburger + breadcrumbs are more the order of the day - - recession chic.
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