Always had a burning question but not sure who to ask? In our regular Ask the Experts section, we do all the noseying about so you don't have to.
Ben Blackmore is the 6th Generation member of the Blackmore family, who has taken over the reins on their family-owned Blackmore wagyu farm.
A small business farming 100 percent Fullblood wagyu, they own more than 3,200 Fullblood wagyu animals across 6,500 acres, and process 55 animals per month, with the aim of producing high quality, GMO-, hormone- and antibiotic-free beef, while focusing on animal welfare, the environment and sustainable farming.
Besides being the go-to wagyu supplier for top chefs in Australia and in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, Blackmore is also known for for using unique farming methods that integrate old world Japanese farming, with new, technically sound scientific methodologies.
Dear Ben, what’s the difference between Japanese and Australian wagyu and wagyu grading, and should I be concerned about full blood and half-blood cattle?
It is extremely difficult to compare Australian and Japanese wagyu directly due to the many different ways wagyu can be produced, every farmer has different methods and production processes. It would be much easier to compare farmers rather than an entire countries’ methods.
Climate and soil can affect the taste of beef
Australia’s soils, climate, grasses and rainfall are all different to Japan which will affect the taste, texture and quality; all beef should be celebrated for these differences. Australia, for instance, has much more space and open farmlands for the cattle to graze naturally at different stages of the production process. The location of a farm within a country can certainly affect the flavour of its beef.
The climate is extremely different across various parts of Australia, from the North to the South. It is hot and humid in the North, where tropical grasses can be found, whereas in the South, the climate is cooler and you find traditional grasses like clover and rye grasses. These differences in climate and soil quality will impact quality and flavour of the beef, similar to wine - different regions can grow the same variety but due to different climate and soil types, the wine can taste totally different.
(Related: Why Dry-Aged Beef Always Tastes Better)
The difference between Fullblood and Purebred wagyu
Wagyu genetics are extremely important in producing quality beef. From 1992 to 1996, for the first time in Japan’s history, they allowed both Fullblood Wagyu males and females to leave the country. This allowed Blackmore to breed Fullblood Wagyu in Australia - the only wagyu we produce today.
Purebred Wagyu is considered a crossbred animal, that is, when a Fullbood Wagyu animal has been crossed with another breed. On the fourth cross, it has 93.75 per cent wagyu genetics and is called Purebred. It is estimated that 95 per cent of all wagyu produced in Australia is Crossbred wagyu, and only 5 per cent is Fullblood wagyu.
(Related: A Meal With Michelin: Douglas Tay of Osia Steak and Seafood Grill)
Japanese versus Australian wagyu grading
The Australian grading system for meat is completely different to the Japanese grading system. In Australia, we have two official systems: Ausmeat and MSA (Meat Standards Australia), and both have a marble score grade from 0 to 9. If the quality exceeds 9, it can be graded 9+. Both grading systems have comparable marble grades.
The Japanese grading system has a marble score grade from 1 to 12. However, they also look at many other characteristics of the carcasses, and have an overall grade where A5 is the highest grade (you only need marble score 8+ to qualify for A5).
When a carcass is graded, the grade is decided at one point in the animal and the whole animal is considered this grade.
In Australia, it is recommended that the grading is completed between the 10th and 11th rib; in Japan, it is between the 6th and 7th rib.
(Related: The Best Off-Cuts For Steak)
Customer preference is really key in finding the perfect piece of meat. Some prefer strong flavour and very tender meat, others prefer a mild taste with a little texture.
“Got a burning question for our experts? Send in your questions to lifestyle@michelin.sg with 'Ask the Experts' in the subject title and we’ll help you find the answer.”
