100% Wagyu, 100% Pampa Based.

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What is Wagyu beef, and what sets it apart from others? Wagyu beef is a type of beef that comes from a specific breed of cattle called the Wagyu, which originated in Japan. This beef is known for its high levels of marbling, which refers to the fat that is interspersed throughout the meat.

The marbling in Wagyu beef gives it a unique flavor and texture, making it highly sought after by chefs and foodies around the world. The fat in Wagyu beef has a low melting point, which means it literally melts in your mouth, creating a rich buttery flavor.

The rearing of Wagyu cattle is also different from other breeds, as they are raised in Japanese culture with special attention given to their diet, living conditions, and even their massage therapy to help prevent muscle stiffness, in American culture the cattle are fed an extra year. All of these factors contribute to the high quality and unique flavor of Wagyu beef. As a result, Wagyu beef is often more expensive than other types of beef, but it is considered a delicacy by many connoisseurs. Dennis Kuempel is a 5th generation cattleman and rancher,  Kuempel served on the board of ‘Directors of the American Wagyu Association’ for four years as well as the ‘Texas Wagyu Assocation’ for 2 terms of three years. Kuempel and his wife, Brenda, began raising and breeding Wagyu cattle 14 years ago. The couple was introduced to the beef while on vacation, and the race was off for Dennis to learn as much as he could before deciding to begin raising Wagyu of his own. The couple’s first herd of 11 cattle is still around to this day. A promise Dennis has to keep to his wife.

“When we went to our first auction after he’d researched for probably two years, we got 11 heads of cattle,” Brenda Kuempel said. “I told him, you can’t harvest these. They have to live out their lives on our ranch. He’s been true to that word and we still have them.”

After being in the business of raising and selling Wagyu for many years, the couple decided to open a storefront.

“We wanted an easier way for people to purchase our beef,” Brenda said. “Our store offers unique items. A lot of what we have is locally made, or small batch-made items. So it’s a very unique store with wines and meat you can’t find anywhere else.”

A lot of the Wagyu found around here is a mixed breed, not total Wagyu. Kuempel prides himself in being 100% Wagyu. Wagyu is the healthiest beef option with its rich marbling, which is primarily made up of monounsaturated fats. These fats can help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL), promoting better heart health. The beef contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Wagyu beef is a fantastic source of essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. These nutrients play a crucial role in supporting brain function, reducing inflammation, and maintaining a healthy immune system. Wagyu beef has higher concentrations of CLA, a powerful antioxidant with potential anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. CLA is also known to support weight management and improve overall body composition. Apart from healthy fats, Wagyu beef is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, niacin, zinc, and selenium, which contribute to overall wellness and vitality.

“It’s not a bad product when crossbred,” Kuempel said. “It does change the quality and taste of it.”

In 1976, a Texan rancher imported Wagyu into the country to begin putting Wagyu on the market. Over time over 200 cattle, male and female were imported to the states. Allowing cattlemen to breed Wagyu with Wagyu making an authentic Wagyu beef product. After the imports, Japan declared Wagyu a national treasure and there have not been new imports of the cattle since the 90s. The first generation of Kuempel’s cattle is authentic Wagyu, making him one of the first in the Panhandle to bring 100% Wagyu products. The difficulty with knowing if something is 100% or not comes from the fact that there aren’t any laws forcing ranchers to label how much of their beef is authentic Wagyu.

“We have a closed herd, not bringing anything in,” Kuempel said. “So we have the authenticity people are after. It’s not everyday beef, it’s luxury beef. But our cattle are a closed herd.”

Prime Kuts has been open for two years, the brick and mortar to take away from people coming to their homes to purchase the beef.

“I had this store sitting here, so I thought why not,” Brenda Kuempel said. “We wanted a place for people to come and see the beef and buy it. I guess I’m really the one that decided to add the wines and cheeses we also sell in the store. But everything is ‘small batch’ products.”

The store will have more things coming in time, additional products and services offered to the public.

“We’ve been hosting tastings of the wines and beef,” Marketing for Prime Kuts, Lacey Daniels said. “We want to get people in to try it and see for themselves. We want people to come to find out if they like it or not, so the events have been good for that. We have some planned for the future, but a lot more in store.”

The store offers Wagyu beef, small batch-made wines and cheeses, and beef jerky. In the future, the store will host more tasting events for the public.

For more information, visit kuempelwagyu.com or stop by the store located at 726 N Hobart St.

Follow along on their Facebook page to see happenings and events their hosting.