Gourmet Japanese Wagyu direct from Japan: ‘Sakura Wagyu’ A5 Sirloin from full blood Japanese Black Cattle: one of Japan’s Top Three with the highest Beef Marbling Score (BMS) of 11 to 12: 250g steak

If you are a connoisseur of fine steak you won’t want to miss this delicacy. It is ‘Sakura Wagyu’ A5 Sirloin from pureblood Japanese Black Cattle (Kuro-ge Wagyu) raised in the tropical Japanese island of Kyushu. Only the highest quality cattle even from this specialist region can legitimately be called ‘Sakura’.

This A5 grade, with a Beef Marbling Score (BMS) of 11 to 12, is the highest in the strict Japanese controlled ranking. As pictured above, it shows intense marbling with that soft Wagyu fat and it has ideal fat-to-meat ratio. It is incredibly juicy and tender, it has a velvety texture, a silky mouthfeel which almost melts in the mouth, and the rich flavour lingers on the tastebuds (see the authentic Japanese Wagyu criteria set out below).

Japanese pureblood Wagyu cannot be compared to regular beef; it’s a unique experience, a delicacy and a real gourmet treat. It’s healthier than normal beef, having higher percentages of monounsaturated fats, Omega 3, and Omega 6 fatty acids, and it is lower in cholesterol. So this supreme Wagyu sirloin, though rich, is also light.

It is also extremely easy and quick to prepare—sprinkle with sea salt and fry (without oil or butter) for literally a minute or so—serve rare or medium rare with just a few flakes of sea salt, pepper if you wish. Serving with good rice is classic Japanese. Mushrooms sautéed in the pan after searing the Wagyu add the ideal umami flavour. Certainly it is best to avoid strong steak sauces. Some serve with soy sauce, but of course the aim is to do nothing to mask the flavour and texture of the Wagyu itself. The wine to serve with this quality of Wagyu is also different to normal steak: our Tasting Panel suggest a good Burgundy rather than Bordeaux—such as a Savigny-Les-Beaune Pinot Noir, which is a perfect match.

To say Sakura Wagyu A5 Sirloin is not inexpensive is an understatement, but because this is purebred Japanese raised Black Cattle A5, a single 250g steak as pictured is enough for two!

‘Sakura Wagyu’ A5 Sirloin, 250g. Non Members £90. CCUK £49 including UK mainland delivery. Arrives frozen.

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For more details about what to look for in genuine Japanese Wagyu, please read on . . .