What is Beef Marbling Score (BMS)
Choosing the perfect BMS for your Wagyu
BMS - The key to perfect Wagyu
When choosing the perfect Wagyu beef, you must understand how Beef Marbling Score (BMS) works. BMS is the grade that determines the quality of your meat and the level of intramuscular fat within it. This has an enormous impact on the flavor and texture of the meat. In this way, understanding your meat’s BMS score is as important as choosing the right cut.
When choosing the perfect Wagyu beef, you must understand how Beef Marbling Score (BMS) works. BMS is the grade that determines the quality of your meat and the level of intramuscular fat within it. This has an enormous impact on the flavor and texture of the meat. In this way, understanding your meat’s BMS score is as important as choosing the right cut.
Why is marbling good?
The more marbling a piece of meat has, the richer the meat will be. It will have a more intense, buttery flavor that seems to melt like butter in your mouth. It is this quality that makes Japanese Wagyu a sought-after delicacy.
Superior levels of marbling are achieved through several methods. The first is genetics. Japanese Wagyu stores the most intramuscular fat of any breed of cattle. They have been bred for hundreds of years to have this quality.
The Wagyu cattle are then fed a specialty diet, cared for, and raised to exceptional standards that produce extraordinary meat. This is why Japanese Wagyu achieves the highest BMS in the world.
The more marbling a piece of meat has, the richer the meat will be. It will have a more intense, buttery flavor that seems to melt like butter in your mouth. It is this quality that makes Japanese Wagyu a sought-after delicacy.
Superior levels of marbling are achieved through several methods. The first is genetics. Japanese Wagyu stores the most intramuscular fat of any breed of cattle. They have been bred for hundreds of years to have this quality.
The Wagyu cattle are then fed a specialty diet, cared for, and raised to exceptional standards that produce extraordinary meat. This is why Japanese Wagyu achieves the highest BMS in the world.
What is Beef Marbling Score (BMS)?
Beef Marbling Score (BMS) measures the level of fat marbling with your meat. As the fat gives the meat its mouth-watering juiciness and luxurious, intense flavor, BMS is a useful measure for determining the quality of the meat. BMS scores range from 1 to 12. A score of 12 indicates an incredibly high level of marbling and promises a truly delicious culinary experience.
BMS measures fat marbling, enhancing juiciness and flavor. Scores range from 1 to 12, with 12 being the highest quality.
BMS can be used to grade beef of any breed from anywhere in the world. Japan, Australia, America, Wagyu or otherwise.
BMS 1-3
This would be your average supermarket meat. Very lean meat with little marbling.
BMS 4-5:
BMS 4-5 Wagyu offers a balanced richness with moderate marbling, delivering tender, flavorful beef that's luxurious yet approachable.
BMS 6-7:
BMS 6-7 Wagyu provides a richer marbling, delivering an intensely flavorful and tender experience with a buttery texture that's still well-balanced.
BMS 8-9:
Japanese Wagyu and top-quality Australian Wagyu would fall here. This meat will have a high level of marbling and a striking, complex flavor.
BMS 10-12:
Extremely high marbling. Only the finest Japanese Wagyu can reach scores of 10-12. Rich, succulent, impeccable, irresistible - this is the best meat in the world.
BMS can be used to grade beef of any breed from anywhere in the world. Japan, Australia, America, Wagyu or otherwise.
How does BMS compare with USDA Prime, Choice, and Select?
The United States grades beef using the USDA system. This rates beef on as Prime, Choice, or Select, in descending order of quality and marbling level. Each of these correlates to a BMS score.
The United States grades beef using the USDA system. This rates beef on as Prime, Choice, or Select, in descending order of quality and marbling level. Each of these correlates to a BMS score.
Which marbling score should you choose?
People often ask "What is the best marbling score for beef?" but there is no simple answer. The higher the BMS, the more intense, rich, and succulent the taste and eating experience will be. For experiences like this, choose anything from 8-12. However, this can be "too much" for some people's palettes, and they may prefer a lower BMS that still carries the traditional beef flavor. For this kind of Wagyu, choose a BMS of 4-5.
In short, the best marbling score for beef is the one you enjoy the taste of the most. But if you want to experience the highest possible quality, then choose Japanese A5 Wagyu with a BMS of 12.
People often ask "What is the best marbling score for beef?" but there is no simple answer. The higher the BMS, the more intense, rich, and succulent the taste and eating experience will be. For experiences like this, choose anything from 8-12. However, this can be "too much" for some people's palettes, and they may prefer a lower BMS that still carries the traditional beef flavor. For this kind of Wagyu, choose a BMS of 4-5.
In short, the best marbling score for beef is the one you enjoy the taste of the most. But if you want to experience the highest possible quality, then choose Japanese A5 Wagyu with a BMS of 12.
Choosing the right BMS
Beef grading can seem complicated, but in reality, it's very simple. The higher the BMS, the more marbling. The more marbling, the more the meat will take on a mouth-watering, buttery, and unbelievably rich flavor - the exact experience Wagyu has become renowned for.
At Destination Wagyu, we want to help you pick the perfect BMS, and cut, for you - so you enjoy the best steak of your life.
Beef grading can seem complicated, but in reality, it's very simple. The higher the BMS, the more marbling. The more marbling, the more the meat will take on a mouth-watering, buttery, and unbelievably rich flavor - the exact experience Wagyu has become renowned for.
At Destination Wagyu, we want to help you pick the perfect BMS, and cut, for you - so you enjoy the best steak of your life.