Maesawa Beef (Iwate): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Available year-round.

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

MAESAWA BEEF is a high quality marbled beef with soft texture. The beef does not have greasy-ness, but melting-like texture and pleasant aroma fills in the mouth. It received a number of awards including the Honorary Awards at the National Beef Carcass Exhibition for 6 times, making MAESAWA BEEF as the most awarded beef in Japan.

Link with the production area

The cattle are given feed composed of high quality rice straw, hay, and grains produced in the production area where abundant fresh snow meltwater flows from the Ou mountains in the West and the Kitakami mountains in the East. Due to the continuous efforts made by producers to improve production method, MAESAWA BEEF has obtained nationwide recognition.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s28.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.

Find on furusato nozei (opens in a new tab)Find online (opens in a new tab)

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

Some shop links on this page are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Maesawa Beef is raised in the Maesawa district of Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture. It has fine, delicate marbling and moist meat, with fat that is light rather than heavy and a refined aroma. It has won many awards, including the top honor at the national beef carcass competition six times.

Maesawa Beef is produced in Maesawa Ward, Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture.

Maesawa Beef is shipped all year round. Available year-round.

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

Maesawa Beef was registered as a Geographical Indication on March 3, 2017 (Registration No. 28). The registered producer group is Iwate Furusato Agricultural Cooperative.