Kagoshima Kuroushi Beef (Kagoshima): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Shipped throughout the year.

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

The combination of fine and soft meat with marbling made of unsaturated fatty acid creates melting texture and umami of KAGOSHIMA WAGYU. Due to the feed management technique and the improvement of sires based on the unified guidelines made by the production area, KAGOSHIMA WAGYU received various awards including the best carcass award at the National Wagyu Competition in 2017.

Link with the production area

Kagoshima Prefecture began prefecturized breeding cattle from 1962, and designated KAGOSHIMA WAGYU as “Kagoshima Brand” in 1986. To establish more comprehensive system for raising high quality cattle, the Kagoshima Prefectural Beef Cattle Promotion Council has published guidelines and disseminate the feed management in the area. The Council also holds various trainings for farmers in order to improve the area’s production method and technique.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s58.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.

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

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FAQ

Beef produced in Kagoshima Prefecture, with fine, tender meat and well-balanced marbling that melts in the mouth. Through prefecture-wide work on breeding bulls and feeding management, it won the best carcass award and the overall championship at the 2017 National Wagyu Competition.

Kagoshima Kuroushi Beef is produced in Kagoshima Prefecture.

Kagoshima Kuroushi Beef is shipped all year round. Shipped throughout the year.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation) and online shops. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Kagoshima Kuroushi Beef was registered as a Geographical Indication on December 15, 2017 (Registration No. 58). The registered producer group is Kagoshima Prefectural Beef Cattle Promotion Council.