Why Everyone Mispells Wagyu: The Truth About This Japanese Beef

By Nicholas Fiorentino

Do you know the right way to spell wagyu? If not, don't feel bad. Most people get it wrong. Wagyu is a type of beef that comes from Japan, and it is known for its incredible flavor and tenderness. But because wagyu is such a unique word, many people tend to spell it wrong. In this blog post, we will explore the history of wagyu beef and why everyone spells it "waygu." We will also provide some tips on how to pronounce wagyu correctly. So if you're interested in learning more about this delicious Japanese beef, keep reading!


History of Japanese A5 Wagyu

Wagyu beef has been around for centuries. The word wagyu actually means "Japanese cow" in Japanese. Wagyu cattle were originally bred in Japan for their strength and endurance. They were used for carrying heavy loads and plowing fields. Today, wagyu beef is prized for its marbled texture and rich flavor. The most famous type of wagyu beef is Kobe Beef, which comes from the city of Kobe in Japan. Only a few vendors in the United States are licensed to sell authentic Kobe Beef and The Meatery is proud to be one of those selected few.

"Waygu"

So why do people spell wagyu as "waygu?" There are a few theories. One theory is that because wagyu is such a rare and expensive type of beef, people want to make it sound more exotic by spelling it incorrectly. Another theory is that people simply don't know how to spell wagyu correctly. Whatever the reason, the misspelling of wagyu is so common that even some restaurants get it wrong!

Things to Know Before Eating Wagyu

If you're interested in trying wagyu beef, there are a few things you should know. First of all, wagyu beef is usually more expensive than other types of beef. This is because wagyu cattle are raised in a very specific way and fed a special diet that gives the beef its unique flavor and texture. Wagyu beef is also typically served rare or medium-rare, so it's important to ask your waiter or chef how you would like your steak cooked. Finally, when pronouncing wagyu, remember to say "wah-gyoo" and not "way-goo." Now that you know the correct way to spell and pronounce wagyu, you can impress your friends with your knowledge of this delicious Japanese beef!

Final Note

It is very important to source your Wagyu from a reputable supplier. When purchasing Japanese A5 Wagyu in particular, ensure that you are receiving a Certificate of Authenticity that includes the noseprint of the cow along with the ID number (you can look this up on a Japanese website if you so wish, pretty cool!). 

Want to browse The Meatery's selection of Japanese, Australian and American Wagyu? Here's a link to view all of The Meatery Wagyu.

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