Hiba Beef (Hiroshima): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Timing shifts with the weather and conditions in each region.

Official registration details (MAFF)

The registered description as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Characteristics

Hiba-gyu refers to beef from a breed of Japanese black of Iwakura-zuru (or Iwakura Tsuru) lineage. Iwakura is one of the country's oldest breeds of Tsuru beef cattle linebred from superior individuals. Hiba-gyu inherits the superior unsaturated fatty acid ratio, which contributes to the beef's tenderness and meltingly pleasant mouthfeel.

Link with the production area

Hiba-gyu originates from Iwakura-zuru, a beef cattle breed created by selectively breeding superior wagyu, the production of which has long been an integral part of life in and around today's Shobara City. Azuma-zuru was bred locally in Shobara to preserve and improve on the strengths of Iwakura-zuru, giving birth to No. 38-1 Iwata and other wagyu cattle renowned for their excellence. Local efforts ensure the preservation of the excellence of the breed.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s83.html)

Where to buy

As a rule, only products that meet the registered standard may use a GI name (with exceptions such as prior use). Check for the GI mark and the place of origin to tell it apart from ordinary products with similar names.

Buy from the producer group (opens in a new tab)Find on furusato nozei (opens in a new tab)

These links go to Japanese-language shops; check whether they ship overseas.

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FAQ

Japanese Black beef from Hiroshima Prefecture, descended from the Iwakura-zuru line, one of Japan's oldest tsuru lines of selectively bred cattle, which originated around today's Shobara City. A genetic tendency toward a high ratio of unsaturated fat gives it a tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Hiba Beef is produced in Hiroshima Prefecture.

Hiba Beef is shipped all year round.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation) and the producer group's own shop. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Hiba Beef was registered as a Geographical Indication on September 9, 2019 (Registration No. 83). The registered producer group is Azuma-zuru Promotion Association.