In response to recent health trends, restaurants nationwide have been placing high-quality burgers featuring Kobe and Wagyu beef on the menu. Wagyu, which means "Japanese cattle," and Kobe, a line of cattle from the Kobe region of Japan, are prized around the world for prime tenderness, rich flavor, and a positive ratio of unsaturated to saturated fats. At two to three grades above prime, Akaushi beef is a Wagyu line with even better flavor and more surprising health benefits.
Akaushi beef is source verified, 100 percent all-natural, and hormone-free. Although highly marbled, the fatty acid composition has a positive ratio of monounsaturated to saturated fat and is a significant source of oleic acid, the same monounsaturated fat in olive oil.
"Akaushi beef is also one of the highest sources of natural Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) in beef," says Jordan Beeman, president of HeartBrand Beef, Inc. Studies have shown that CLA slows the growth of a wide variety of tumors, controls insulin levels, reduces diabetes, promotes weight loss, lowers cholesterol, regulates bone loss, and reduces the risk of heart disease. Independent laboratory nutritional analyses show that the meat is lower in cholesterol than even fish.
HeartBrand Beef is the exclusive breeder and processor of Akaushi beef in the U.S. Their healthy ground beef is becoming widely known and is now served in a growing number of fine restaurants and better burger joints nationally including:
- More than 50 Cheeseburger in Paradise locations across the country
- Nine Fuddruckers locations in the Dallas, Texas, area
- Burger Guys in Houston, Texas
- Burger Monger in Tampa, Florida
- Burger Palace locations in Texas
- Aroma Thyme Bistro in Hudson Valley, New York
- ABC Kitchen Restaurant in New York City
Diners can also order the beef online through HeartBrandBeef.com. The company's YouTube Channel shares videos featuring recipes using Akaushi beef, grilling tips, and details about the meat's health benefits. Individuals can purchase Akaushi beef as a variety of steaks, ground beef, sausages, and franks at the company website.
"Many people think that healthy beef is expensive, but the cost of Akaushi ground beef is comparable to supermarket prices," Beeman says. HeartBrand also offers Facebook fans monthly limited-quantity specials at its Facebook Page.
Originally from the Mount Aso region of Japan, Akaushi herds are considered a national treasure and a protected breed by the government of Japan. Consequently, the cattle's genetics are closely monitored and kept uniform and consistent. All Akaushi cattle in the U.S. are direct descendants of the Mount Aso herds. HeartBrand Beef is the only source of Akaushi cattle outside of Japan.
HeartBrand Beef produces Akaushi meat under rigorous quality guidelines and certified product testing in a vertically integrated production system. The cattle are treated in accordance to the USDA Humane Handling Standards and Guidelines. They graze on a special mix of grasses in the open air and later move on to a grain formula.
