What is Saga Beef?

Saga beef is a Japanese black cattle breed that meets the second strictest standards in Japan, after Sendai beef*.

It is descended from the Tajima Beef, which is known for its excellent marbling and meat quality.

To be recognized as Saga Beef, the beef must be a Japanese black Wagyu raised by farmers of JA Group Saga in Saga Prefecture, and must have a meat quality grade of 5 or 4, the highest grade, and a marbling level of BMS NO. 7 or higher, the highest of the four grades.

On the other hand, beef with a meat quality grade of 2 or higher and a rating below the Saga Beef standard is called "Saga Wagyu".

*Sendai beef is only graded "A5" or "B5

The history of Saga beef started in 1984. In the 1990s, the quality of Saga beef was further improved. In the 1990s, the quality of Saga Beef was further improved, and its delicious taste was introduced on TV and in magazines, and the name of Saga Beef became well-known throughout Japan.

Furthermore, Saga Beef has been highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad, such as when U.S. President Trump visited Japan in 2017, Saga Beef was served at a dinner party at the State Guest House.

Saga beef has its roots in Tajima beef, which is the source of brand-name beef such as Kobe beef, and has inherited the very superior meat qualities unique to Tajima beef.

First of all, the most important characteristic of Saga beef is its fine marbling, called "gloss&silky marbling".

In addition, Saga beef is characterized by its fine texture, very tender lean meat, bright color, and abundant sweetness and flavor unique to Wagyu beef.

Saga cattle are raised in the mild climate and blessed nature of Saga, in a stress-free environment, in a relaxed and leisurely manner.

The feed that Saga cattle eat is uniquely formulated for Saga cattle in order to produce tender meat and high quality fat. Saga cattle raised in this way are shipped out when they are about 30 months old. At the time of shipment, they have grown to about 700 kg.

According to JA Saga's website, approximately 18,000 head of cattle are shipped annually within Saga Prefecture, of which about 63% are graded as Saga beef.