British Lamb, or Lamb from NewZealand?

It's true that when it comes to lamb, consumers often face a choice between British and New Zealand varieties. While New Zealand lamb presents a cost-effective option, particularly given that it is often frozen, there are compelling reasons to opt for British lamb, especially when you're in the UK. Here's a breakdown:

Quality and Taste:

• Freshness:

  • British lamb, when purchased locally, is typically much fresher. This translates to a superior taste and texture. New Zealand lamb, due to its long journey, is often frozen, which can affect its quality.

  • The British climate, with its lush pastures, contributes to the distinctive flavor of British lamb. The variety of grasses and herbs that sheep graze on here infuses the meat with a unique richness.

• Varied Flavor Profiles:

  • The UK has many different breeds of sheep, each producing lamb with slightly different flavour profiles. This variety gives a much greater choice to the consumer.

Animal Welfare:

• High Standards:

  • The UK has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world. British farmers are subject to strict regulations regarding the care and treatment of their livestock.

  • This includes regulations on transport, living conditions, and slaughter.

• Traceability:

  • Buying British lamb allows for greater traceability, meaning consumers can often learn more about the specific farm and practices involved in producing their meat.

Supporting British Farmers:

• Local Economy:

  • Choosing British lamb directly supports local farmers and their communities, helping to sustain rural economies.

• Environmental Impact:

  • Reducing food miles is a significant benefit of buying British. By choosing locally sourced lamb, you're minimizing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

  • Also British sheep farming plays a large roll in the maintainance of the British countryside.

• Preserving Tradition:

  • Sheep farming has a long and rich history in Britain, and supporting British farmers helps to preserve this tradition.

Acknowledging New Zealand Lamb:

• Affordability:

  • It's important to acknowledge that New Zealand lamb often provides a more affordable option, and their farming practices are often very efficient.

• Year-Round Availability:

  • Because of the difference in seasons, New Zealand lamb can provide a good source of lamb when british lamb is out of season.

Conclusion:

While New Zealand lamb has its place, particularly for budget-conscious consumers, when in the UK, choosing British lamb offers numerous advantages. The superior freshness, taste, and ethical considerations, coupled with the support of local farmers, make it a worthwhile choice.

At Revetts our lamb is sourced locally in Suffolk, we also have a supplier in Yorkshire who we know has excellent lamb.