What is Wagyu and how is it different from other types of breeds?

Wagyu is a Japanese breed of cattle that was originally bred for endurance as they were used to carry supplies through the mountains. The consumption of beef in Japan was largely frowned upon due to religious and cultural reasons, and it wasn't until the late 1800s that it became normalized.

It was then discovered that this specific breed of cattle had a unique marbling pattern throughout its meat which gives it a very soft texture and smooth flavour. Since then breeders have been targeting these unique traits and this beef became highly sought-after all throughout the world. When it was realized that no other countries had anything like it to compete, the Japanese government deemed Wagyu cattle a national treasure and banned the export of live cattle and genetics in 1997.

This gave Japan an advantage over the global market, but luckily for the rest of the world there were a few that had already been exported, and breeders have been working with these bloodlines ever since.