Hook And Cleaver Ranch – Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Akaushi, the crown jewel of Japanese beef, is a rare and exquisite breed of Wagyu cattle. Renowned as the “Emperor’s Breed,” Akaushi offers a truly unparalleled culinary experience.

Unlike traditional beef, Akaushi Waygu beef boasts exceptional marbling – intricate networks of fat that weave through the lean muscle. This unique characteristic results in a tender, juicy, and flavorful eating experience that simply melts in your mouth.

Beyond its indulgent taste, Akaushi Waygu beef offers a host of health benefits. Its rich nutrient profile, including essential fatty acids and vitamins, makes it a luxurious and nutritious choice.

No, we believe in a natural approach to raising our cattle and are committed to providing the highest quality, naturally raised Akaushi Waygu beef. We believe in traditional, humane farming practices that prioritize the well-being of our cattle. As a result, we do not use any artificial growth hormones. This natural approach results in a superior product that’s not only delicious but also healthier for you.

We share the same commitment to quality as our customers, which is why we eat the same beef we sell.

Neglecting proper medical attention for sick or injured animals is, in our view, animal cruelty. We adhere to Beef Quality Assurance procedures to ensure safe standards and practices.

Our Akaushi cattle enjoy a balanced diet that combines the best of both worlds: pasture-raised and grain-finished. They spend their early lives grazing on lush pastures, building a strong foundation of health and flavor. As they mature, we carefully transition them to a custom natural grain blend, optimizing their marbling and tenderness. This unique approach ensures that every cut of our Akaushi Waygu beef delivers an exceptional taste and texture.

We follow a shipping schedule that ensures that our home grown Akaushi Beef makes it to your front door safely, due to the perishable nature of our products, the day of the week and the shipping method selected at checkout affects when your order can be delivered. Always sent out within 1-3 days of order!

Yes, we offer curbside pick-up at our distribution office in Murrieta, California. After you place your order, email us at [email protected] or call 888-US-Wagyu and we will schedule a pick up time for you.

Yes, we do offer wholesale pricing, but due to high demand and limited production we can only offer wholesale pricing to a limited number of clients. If interested, please email us at [email protected] or call 888-US-Wagyu.

We ship everywhere in the 48 contiguous United States. For those in Alaska or Hawaii who would like to place an order, please contact us at 888-US-WAGYU (888-879-2498) or by email at [email protected] and we can obtain a shipping rate for your order.  

(We do not ship to American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam or Puerto Rico.)

We use recyclable insulated boxes along with dry ice to ensure your order stays cold. All meat shipped with 1-2 day options should arrive frozen. Shipments that are 3 days should arrive frozen or partially thawed. Once you receive your beef, place it in refrigerator or freezer immediately upon arrival. Even if your beef is partially thawed, you can place it back in the freezer, it will not affect the quality of your American Akashi Wagyu.

Hook and Cleaver Ranch, in partnership with select ranches, raises its high-quality American Akaushi Wagyu in Idaho. We prioritize ethical and environmentally responsible practices, ensuring the well-being of our cattle and the health of the land. We are committed to preserving the natural beauty of the region while producing exceptional livestock.

Put it in the refrigerator the night before and let it defrost for 24 hours.  Roasts and larger cuts of meat may take several days to defrost.

Wet aging American Akaushi Wagyu Beef enhances its flavor and tenderness, which are two of the most prized characteristics of this premium beef. Wet aging allows natural enzymes in the meat to break down muscle fibers over time, making the beef more tender without losing moisture. This is especially important for Akaushi Wagyu, known for its exceptional marbling and rich texture. Since wet aging occurs in vacuum-sealed bags, it retains the moisture within the beef. This is crucial for American Akaushi Wagyu, as the moisture helps keep the beef juicy and prevents it from drying out.

The meat should be frozen or slightly defrosted and cold to the touch when it arrives. It is okay if the dry ice is gone, as long as the meat is still cold.

If, by chance, you receive an item that is not satisfactory we want to hear about it! Your satisfaction is important and we want you to enjoy our American Akaushi Wagyu beef as much as we do.  Your feedback enables us to make adjustments where needed.

If the product received is damaged, incorrectly shipped, or the box is open, please notify our customer service department as soon as possible by phone 888-US-WAGYU (888-879-2498) or email [email protected].  You must notify us within 3 days of delivery (day one being the day of delivery). Pictures of damage and/or mis-shipped items are required. Please email all requests along with pictures to [email protected].

Due to the perishable nature of many of our items, returned goods will not be permitted unless requested by Hook and Cleaver Ranch. You will be provided with a prepaid shipping label If we request items be returned. All goods must be returned in the original packaging or a comparable packaging. All returns must arrive back to Hook and Cleaver Ranch within 15 days of delivery date. Within 5 days of receipt of returned goods, at our discretion, we may offer a full or partial store credit or replacement of product.

Yes! We proudly support our military and first responders and offer a 20% discount. Simply verify your credentials using the GovX button at the bottom of your cart before checking out.

American Akaushi Wagyu HEALTH BENEFITS

American Akaushi Wagyu cattle uniquely deposit fat intramuscularly rather than storing it under the hide, resulting in intense marbling that gives the beef its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, buttery flavor. Beyond its exceptional taste, Akaushi beef offers numerous health benefits:

Healthy Fats: Akaushi beef boasts a higher concentration of monounsaturated fat relative to saturated fat. The American Heart Association notes that monounsaturated fats can help lower cholesterol, prevent coronary heart disease, and aid in weight loss.

Immune System: Rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), Akaushi beef may help reduce cholesterol, body fat, and improve immune function. Research also suggests that CLA can reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Nutrient-Rich: Akaushi beef is an excellent source of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are crucial for red blood cell formation, nervous system function, and preventing anemia.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in Akaushi beef support brain function and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Antioxidants: Containing antioxidants such as vitamin E, Akaushi beef can help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

High-Quality Protein: Akaushi beef is a rich source of high-quality protein, essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Indulge in the premium taste and health benefits of Akaushi beef from Hook and Cleaver Ranch, and elevate your dining experience with deep buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Download more health benefits of the monounsaturated fatty acids found in Akaushi beef here.