Mutton vs Lamb

Mutton vs Lamb: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to red meat, lamb and mutton are both cuts from sheep, but they differ greatly in age, flavor, and cooking use. Knowing the difference can help you choose the right meat for your next meal.

What is Lamb?

Lamb is meat from a sheep that’s less than one year old, usually between 4–12 months. Because of the animal’s young age, lamb is:

• Tender
• Mild in flavor
• Ideal for quick cooking methods like grilling, roasting, or pan-frying

Popular cuts include lamb chops, leg of lamb, and lamb _racks. It’s the go-to choice in Western cuisine and is often seen as a premium meat.

What is Mutton?

Mutton comes from sheep that are typically over one year old, often closer to two years. This meat is:

• Darker and denser
• Stronger in flavor
• Less tender, requiring longer cooking times

Because of its richness, mutton is perfect for slow-cooked dishes like stews, curries, and braises. It’s widely used in traditional cuisines across South Asia, the Middle East, and rural areas of New Zealand and the UK.

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