Matsusaka Beef
/ˌmɑːt.suːˈsɑː.kə biːf/noun
Premium Japanese beef from cattle raised under strict standards in and around Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture.
Did you know?Matsusaka beef is associated with female Japanese Black cattle, and its prestige is tied to the agricultural identity of the Matsusaka region rather than to a mystical ritual origin.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Japanese
Japanese
松 (matsu)
“Pine tree; a traditional symbol of longevity and steadfastness.”
Ancient Japanese
Japanese
坂 (saka)
“Slope or hill.”
Medieval Japan
Japanese
松坂 (Matsusaka)
“Place name meaning approximately “pine slope”; the modern municipality is commonly written 松阪.”
19th Century
English
beef
“The meat of cattle, borrowed through Old French from Latin bōs, “ox or cow.””
20th Century
Japanese/English
Matsusaka beef
“English designation for beef associated with the Matsusaka region and its highly regulated Japanese Black cattle production.”
Modern English
English
Matsusaka Beef
“A globally recognized luxury-beef name referring to certified regional Japanese beef.”