A5

The highest grade in the Japanese beef grading system, indicating top yield (A) and quality (5).

A5 represents the pinnacle of Japanese beef grading. The "A" indicates above-average yield (72%+ usable meat), while "5" is the highest quality score based on marbling, meat color, firmness, and fat quality. Within A5, marbling varies from BMS 8-12.

Related Terms

BMS (Beef Marbling Score)

A 1-12 scale measuring intramuscular fat distribution in beef.

Fullblood Wagyu

100% genetically pure wagyu cattle with traceable Japanese lineage.

F1 Wagyu

First-generation wagyu crossbreed, typically 50% wagyu and 50% Angus.

Japanese Black (Kuroge Washu)

The primary wagyu breed, representing 90%+ of Japanese wagyu production.