The Ins and Outs of Certified Wagyu

At Wild Coast Wagyu, we’re all about wagyu, but what does that actually mean for you, our customer?

100% Certified South African Wagyu Beef (CSAWB)

Our 100% Certified South African Wagyu Beef certification (A certified trademark of Wagyu Society of South Africa (WSSA)) means that our wagyu beef meets the exceptionally high standards set to achieve our certification that ensures we offer only the best quality.

The WSSA Certified Wagyu Beef Program was developed to maintain the wagyu supply chain, ensuring the integrity of the wagyu on the market, and giving you the knowledge that the wagyu you purchase is 100% certified.

Simply put, our 100% certified wagyu beef means you know exactly what you’re getting when you shop with us. Each step has 100% traceability, giving you peace of mind along with the melt-in-your-mouth wagyu experience you’ll come to expect.

How do I know what to look for in wagyu?

Knowing how to identify wagyu is imperative! We don’t just want you to take our word for it; we’d rather educate you so that you know exactly what you’re getting. It helps you feel more at ease when buying from us, and it helps us spread awareness around wagyu.

First things first, if you know anything about wagyu beef, you know that marbling is KEY. And we’ll walk you through how genetics influence marbling.

Due to the stringency of the certification process of the Wagyu Society of South Africa (WSSA), each carcass must adhere to the standards laid out. To be certified 100%, there is criteria that needs to be checked off. Carried out by independent auditors, ratings are consistent across the board to ensure the score is precise for each cut of wagyu.

At Wild Coast Wagyu, we pride ourselves on our genetics, which yield high marbling scores and excellent cuts with every carcass.

The grading system works on a scale referring to genetics (illustrated by an F), with F5 being a 100% purebred wagyu cow. The marble scoring system that ranges from 1 to 12, with 12 being the highest yield of marbling.

Don’t forget about packaging!

When you’re shopping for wagyu beef, make sure you look for some essential information that tells you exactly what you’re getting.

The Wagyu Society of South Africa (WSSA) logo must be present alongside the cut’s marbling score on the packaging. Otherwise, you’re not getting what you pay for.

Back to marbling – what is it?

Marbling refers to the distinct intramuscular fat dispersion that is unique to wagyu beef. To put it simply, this means the amount of white fat that is marbled through the meat and does not refer to the thicker layer of fat on the outside of the meant. The higher the marbling score, the higher the level of tenderness, texture, and flavour. All of this leads to that melt-in-your-mouth experience you look for in wagyu beef.

Wagyu cattle are bred to produce a much higher percentage of intramuscular fat (IMF), which in turn yields a higher marbling score. Our wagyu genetics rank within the top 5% globally, meaning your wagyu is a cut above the rest!

Where to find the most marbled cuts

If you’re looking for higher concentrations of marbling, you can opt for specific cuts that genetically produce a higher IMF percentage. The cuts that yield the most marbling come from the loin, often because these muscles aren’t used as much as those in other parts of the animal. Highly marbled cuts can also be found on the shoulders, legs, and rump, each cut unique and full of flavour.

In conclusion, identifying authentic wagyu beef may seem daunting, but the knowledge is invaluable, ensuring that you always experience wagyu beef in all its mouth-watering glory.