For all of you meat lovers of course you know kobe beef. Yes, kobe beef is considered the most exclusive beef in the world. According to popular belief, Kobe cow in japan are fed with beer once a day, they also massaged daily with 'sake'(Japanese alcoholic beverage made from rice) ,brushed for setting fur, and fed by grain fodder.
Maybe you are wondering if it's true?? A cow drink beer? Well, not everything about this kobe cow is true nor false. Here is some explanation detailing Kobe beef due to the ambiguation of what actually constitutes Kobe beef, and the fact many tourists who visit Japan receive incorrect information.
Truly not everything is right nor false, both things take place. but not for the reasons we've been led to believe. Beer is given to kobe cow during summer season when the interaction of fat cover, temperature and humidity depresses feed intake. Beer believed to have a good effect to stimulate their appetite. It's part of the management program designed to keep kobe cow on feed in the heat of the summer. The massaging is done to relieve stress and muscle stiffness. by keeping the cattle calm and content, it's believed that the eating quality of the meat is affected.
Speaking of kobe beef, according to wikipedia the true Kobe beef in Japan is registered trademark by Kobe beef distribution promotion conference. It must fulfill all the conditions as follows:
- Tajima cattle born in Hyōgo Prefecture
- Fed by farm in Hyōgo Prefecture
- Bullock or Virgin cow, meant to purify the beef
- Processed at slaughterhouse in Kobe, Nishinomiya, Sanda, Kakogawa and Himeji in Hyōgo Prefecture.
- Marbling ratio called BMS[4] is level 6 and above.
- Meat Quality Score[4] is A or B
- Gross weight of beef is 470 kg or below.
So, it is true that Japanese Kobe cow fed on beer and massaged, but not for the reasons we've been led to believe. One more thing, the quality and exclusiveness of kobe beef make it's price very high.
But for you who are a meat lovers, i really suggest you to try this kobe beef. I've taste kobe beef steak and it's very juicy and tender. From my opinion, it's Worth the price.
