What is the Difference Between Wagyu and Kobe Beef

The main difference between Wagyu and Kobe beef is their origin. Wagyu refers to a specific variety of beef produced out of four specific breeds of Japanese cows: Japanese Brown, Japanese Black, Japanese Shorthorn, and Japanese Polled. Kobe beef, on the other hand, is delivered from the mentioned four types of Wagyu cows raised, nourished, and butchered in the city of Kobe in Japan.

However, there is no recognizable difference between the taste profiles and the texture between Wagyu beef and Kobe beef. Both Wagyu beef and Kobe beef possess a natural web of intramuscular fat named marbling, which makes the meat taste extremely rich, creamy, and extremely tender.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Wagyu Beef
   – Definition, Features
2. What is Kobe Beef
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Wagyu and Kobe Beef
     – Outline of Common Characteristics
4. Difference Between Wagyu and Kobe Beef
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Kobe Beef, Wagyu Beef

What is Wagyu Beef

Wagyu beef is delivered from four specific breeds of Japanese cows: Japanese Brown, Japanese Black, Japanese Shorthorn, and Japanese Polled. Furthermore, Japanese manufacturers usually ship Wagyu beef bearing the area name from which originate:  Kobe beef, Matsusaka beef, Mishima beef, Sanda beef, and Yonezawa beef.

Moreover, Wagyu beef is richer in its fat content than other beef varieties. The reason behind this higher fat content is that in Japan, manufacturers feed Wagyu cattle continuously for 600 days after weaning. This feeding period is more than twice the time allocated for other breeds. This is why Wagyu cows look fatter, and Wagyu beef has a higher fat percentage.

Unlike regular beef, manufacturers do not hang highland Wagyu beef. When Wagyu cattle are slaughtered, manufacturers pack them days later, and then the beef is directly sent to consumers or chefs. Moreover, marbling is a slower process for Wagyu beef, and this super-marbled Wagyu beef is the world’s most expensive beef variety. For instance, a kilo of prime cuts of Wagyu beef costs up to £150 a kilo. Even 300g steak of secondary cuts like flank or bavette could cost more than £25.

What is Kobe Beef

Kobe beef refers to the Wagyu beef supplied from the Kobe region in Japan. We can simply describe it as a type of Wagyu beef. Therefore, there is no distinguishable difference between the nutrient and flavor profiles of Wagyu beef and Kobe beef.

Similarities Between Wagyu beef and Kobe Beef

1. Wagyu beef and Kobe beef refer to the high-fat beef delivered from Wagyu cattle, which belong to the four breeds: Japanese Brown, Japanese Black, Japanese Shorthorn, and Japanese Polled. 
2. In comparison with regular beef, both Wagyu beef and Kobe beef are rich in omega fatty acids.
3. Moreover, the process of marbling is extremely slow for Wagyu and Kobe beef.
4. Also, in comparison with regular beef available in the local market, both Wagyu beef and Kobe beef are quite expensive.

Difference Between Wagyu Beef and Kobe Beef

Definition

The term ‘Wagyu beef’ involves a specific variety of beef produced out of four specific breeds of Japanese cows: Japanese Brown, Japanese Black, Japanese Shorthorn, and Japanese Polled, while Kobe beef is delivered from the mentioned four types of Wagyu cows raised, nourished, and butchered in the city of Kobe in Japan.

Region of  Production

Wagyu beef comes from different regions of Japan, while Kobe beef is manufactured and supplied from the Kobe region only.

Conclusion

Simply put, the main difference between Wagyu beef and Kobe beef is that Wagyu beef comes from different regions of Japan while Kobe beef is manufactured and supplied from the Kobe region only. Therefore, when it comes to the taste and texture of Wagyu and Kobe beef, there is no significant difference. Both Wagyu and Kobe beef tastes extremely creamier and richer than regular beef.

Reference:

1. Kendrick, Keith. “What Is Wagyu Beef?” BBC Good Food, 9 Aug. 2020.
2. Korteman, Jessica. “Japan’s Kobe Beef: WHAT MAKES IT Special.” Notes of Nomads, 16 Jan. 2021.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Wagyu Beef (173957803)” By Benacer At Work – also, Imported from 500px (archived version) by the Archive Team. (detail page) (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia