Omi Beef (Shiga): 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

OMI BEEF melts in the mouth since it contains high amount of unsaturated fatty acid and oleic acid. OMI BEEF has more than 400 years of tradition, one of the longest beef production history among well-known beefs in Japan. It is also considered as one of Japan’s top three beef for its quality, production techniques, and the contribution to Japanese food culture.

Link with the production area

During the Edo Period, the consumption of beef was prohibited by the government, but the Hikone Domain (governed the production area) was the only Domain in the country allowed by the Shogunate to produce beef. Also, having rich water resource from the Lake Biwa, the production area has actively cultivated rice from the old times. Therefore, the fattening technique of cattle by mainly feeding rice straw has developed.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s56.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 raised in Shiga Prefecture and one of Japan's oldest beef brands, with about 400 years of production history. Rich in oleic acid, which has a low melting point, its fat melts smoothly in the mouth. A fattening technique based mainly on rice straw developed here, and it is counted among Japan's top three wagyu.

Omi Beef is produced in Shiga Prefecture.

Omi 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.

Omi Beef was registered as a Geographical Indication on December 15, 2017 (Registration No. 56). The registered producer group is Shiga Prefecture Livestock Industry Promotion Association.