Where to Buy Authentic 100% Fullblood Japanese Black Wagyu Beef
If you're shopping for Wagyu beef, the first thing to know is that not all Wagyu is the same.
The majority of Wagyu sold in the U.S. is crossbred. Some come from different Japanese cattle breeds. And then there is 100% Fullblood Japanese Black Wagyu, the genetics behind the intensely marbled beef that made Japanese Wagyu famous around the world.
At Long Hill Wagyu, we raise 100% Fullblood Japanese Black Wagyu cattle on our family ranch in Texas, and sell the beef directly to customers across the United States.
If you're looking for authentic Fullblood Wagyu, you've found it. Here's what to know before you buy.
What Does 100% Fullblood Japanese Black Wagyu Mean?
The word Wagyu simply means “Japanese cattle.” There are four recognized Japanese Wagyu breeds, with Japanese Black being the breed most closely associated with the rich marbling and eating experience people typically think of when they hear “Wagyu.”
The important distinction is genetics.
When beef is described as 100% Fullblood Japanese Black Wagyu, the animal is genetically 100% Wagyu rather than a cross between Wagyu and another breed. Fullblood cattle can trace their genetics back to the Japanese bloodlines that established the breed.
That genetic foundation is a big part of what makes Wagyu unique. These cattle have an exceptional ability to develop intramuscular fat - that fine webbing of marbling throughout the meat that contributes to Wagyu's signature tenderness, richness and flavor.
At Long Hill, every animal in our herd is 100% Fullblood Japanese Black Wagyu.
Fullblood Wagyu vs. American Wagyu
One of the biggest sources of confusion when shopping for Wagyu is the difference between Fullblood Wagyu and American Wagyu crossbreeds.
Most cattle marketed as American Wagyu are crosses between Wagyu and another breed, often Angus. For example, an F1 animal is generally 50% Wagyu and 50% another breed.
Crossbred Wagyu can be excellent beef. But if you're specifically looking for 100% Fullblood Wagyu, the distinction matters. When you're shopping, look for a ranch or retailer that clearly identifies its beef as 100% Fullblood and explains the genetics behind the cattle.
At Long Hill, we don't raise F1, F2, F3 or other Wagyu crossbreds. Our cattle are 100% Fullblood Japanese Black Wagyu.
Fullblood Wagyu vs. Akaushi
Akaushi is another term you'll sometimes see when shopping for wagyu beef. Akaushi is a different Japanese cattle breed. Both breeds can produce beautifully marbled beef, but they have different genetics.
Long Hill Wagyu raises Japanese Black, not Akaushi.
So if you're specifically looking for Japanese Black Wagyu, make sure the ranch clearly identifies the breed - not simply “Wagyu.”
What Should You Look for When Buying Fullblood Wagyu?
Once you know the difference, buying Fullblood Wagyu becomes much simpler. There are a few things we'd recommend looking for.
1. Make sure it's actually Fullblood
“Wagyu” by itself doesn't tell you the percentage of Wagyu genetics. Look for 100% Fullblood rather than simply “Wagyu.” If the website doesn't clearly explain the cattle's genetics, it's worth asking.
2. Know the breed
If you want Japanese Black Wagyu, make sure that's what you're buying. Japanese Black is different from Akaushi and other cattle breeds that may also be marketed as Wagyu.
3. Know where the cattle come from
A good ranch should be able to tell you where its cattle are raised and how the beef gets from the ranch to your table. At Long Hill, our cattle are raised on our family ranch in Luling, Texas (near Austin and San Antonio).
4. Ask how the cattle are raised
Genetics are incredibly important, but they're not the whole story. At Long Hill, our cattle spend the majority of their lives on pasture. We use rotational grazing and cover crops as part of our regenerative ranching practices, and finish our cattle with grain to develop the marbling and flavor Fullblood Wagyu is known for. Our approach is intentionally slow. We're raising cattle for the quality of the beef, not trying to rush them to market.
Where to Buy Fullblood Wagyu Beef Online
For most people, the easiest way to buy Fullblood Wagyu is directly from a ranch that ships nationwide. At Long Hill Wagyu, you can shop 100% Fullblood Japanese Black Wagyu online and have it shipped directly to your home.
Shop Fullblood Wagyu Steaks
Looking for the classic Wagyu experience? Start with a steak.
Our selection includes cuts such as:
-
Ribeye
-
Filet
-
New York Strip
-
Tomahawk
-
Chuck Eye
-
Flat Iron
-
Picanha
-
Bavette
[Shop Fullblood Wagyu Steaks →]
Shop Fullblood Wagyu Bundles
If you're looking to fill your freezer, our Wagyu bundles are an easy way to bring home a variety of cuts at once. Depending on the bundle, you may find a combination of steaks, ground beef and other cuts, giving you a way to enjoy Fullblood Wagyu beyond just special-occasion dinners.
Don't Overlook Wagyu Ground Beef
Wagyu isn't only for steak night.
Our Fullblood Wagyu ground beef is an easy way to bring that rich flavor into burgers, meatballs, tacos, pasta sauces and everyday family dinners.
[Shop Fullblood Wagyu Ground Beef →]
What Makes Long Hill Wagyu Different?
Long Hill Wagyu started with a simple idea: we wanted more people to be able to experience exceptional Wagyu at home. Our family started with a herd of 100% Fullblood Japanese Black cattle and built the business around raising the cattle ourselves and selling the beef directly to customers.
That means when you order from Long Hill, you're not just buying a crossbred steak with “Wagyu” on the label. You're buying beef from cattle raised by our family, on our ranch, from genetics we've intentionally selected for Fullblood Japanese Black Wagyu.
100% Fullblood Japanese Black
This is the foundation of everything we do. Our cattle are 100% Fullblood Japanese Black Wagyu. We don't mix Fullblood beef with crossbred Wagyu and leave the distinction unclear.
Raised in Texas
Our cattle are raised in and around Luling, Texas, spending the majority of their lives on pasture. We use rotational grazing and cover crops as part of our ranching practices, while finishing our cattle with supplemental grain to develop the marbling and flavor we're looking for.
Family-Owned
Long Hill is a family business. We know where our cattle come from because we raise them ourselves. That gives us a level of connection and transparency that isn't possible when beef passes through a long chain of suppliers.
Direct From the Ranch
We sell directly to customers online and ship throughout the United States. So you don't have to live next to a specialty butcher or travel to Texas to enjoy Fullblood Wagyu from our ranch.
Why Buy Direct From a Ranch?
There is something different about knowing where your food comes from. When you buy directly from a ranch, you can ask questions about the cattle, the genetics, how they're raised and how the beef gets from pasture to your table.
That's the relationship we want to build with Long Hill customers. We want you to know that the steak in your freezer came from a real animal raised on our ranch—not simply from a generic Wagyu supply chain. And we think that connection matters.
How Is Fullblood Wagyu Shipped?
We ship our beef frozen using insulated packaging and gel packs or dry ice to keep your order cold during transit. Depending on weather and transit time, your beef may arrive with some thawing. That's normal for frozen meat shipped by air, and we'll provide storage and handling instructions with your order.
We also offer local delivery in San Antonio, Austin, Lockhart and Luling areas.
Shop 100% Fullblood Japanese Black Wagyu
If you've been searching for where to buy 100% Fullblood Japanese Black Wagyu beef in the United States, we'd love for your next steak to come from Long Hill.
Our cattle are raised by our family in Luling, Texas, and our beef is shipped directly to customers across the country.
Whether you're looking for a ribeye for the grill, a filet for a special occasion, a tomahawk for a dinner party or ground beef for Tuesday night, you can find it in our online shop.
100% Fullblood Japanese Black Wagyu. Raised in Texas. Shipped directly to your door.