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Are you always on the lookout to try something new that will enhance your foodie experience? Perhaps you gravitate towards the meaty side of things…
Well, then you must have stumbled upon the common stuff, like chicken, turkey, beef, pork — no doubt. But in case you are wondering about goat meat (what it’s called and what it’s like), we’ve got you covered.
Goat meat is called mutton. It’s commonly consumed in Africa, South Asia, and Middle Eastern countries. For westerners, it might be hard to wrap our heads around the following fact, but goat mutton is the most commonly eaten meat in the world!
Without any further ado, let us discover the most interesting facts about goat mutton!
More Names for Mutton
Well, believe it or not, but goat meat has more than just one name. Although the most common one is mutton, “chevon” is next in line. Both mutton and chevon refer to the meat that comes from adult animals. Meat from younger goats is either known as cabrito or capretto.
Order the Right Mutton
If both sheep and goat meat are called mutton, how do you know what you are ordering? So, here is the deal. Sure, the meat of an adult goat or sheep is both called mutton. However, if the sheep is less than a year old, you get the lamb. As opposed to adolescent sheep meat, which is referred to as hogget.
So make sure you know your terms and do not get confused. Then again, when in doubt, just ask the chef!
How Does Goat Meat Taste?
Well, just so you know, goat meat is delicious! Unlike a lot of other red meats, it has a sweet aftertaste. You might find it slightly gamy in flavor too. If you are one of those people who venison, you are in for a treat.
Goat Meat is Everywhere
Goat meat, just like chicken, is consumed all over the world. So, depending on what region you are in or what food chain you are dining at, you can experience different cultural takes on goat recipes.
For instance, there is a difference between the way that goat mutton is prepared in Mexico and in Jamaica. If you order a goat dish in South Asia, the chances are that the meat will be served with curry.
The recipes are versatile, ranging from stews, served with salsa, or even wrapped in a tortilla, for that matter! No combination can go wrong with goat meat, so explore away.
How Healthy is Goat Meat?
One reason for goat meat’s popularity is that it’s super healthy. This red meat is considerably less fatty than other popular meat types like chicken, beef, and pork. A slice of goat meat weighing, say, three ounces only has about 120 calories. It is also packed with a protein content of about 25 grams.
Are Goats Environmentally Friendly?
If you are a conscious consumer worried about the harsh effects of meat consumption, know this! Goat is much higher on the environmental-friendliness scale than other meats.
Goats also consume weeds and bushes while cattle mostly prefer grass. This means that goats have a more natural grazing habitat that doesn’t need clearing on their account. Goats and nature co-exist. Lastly, goats do require as much land as a herd of cows.
Besides being adaptable and nature-friendly, goats also produce more milk than the average cow. This makes them a great asset for rural herders who rely on their milk as a food source.
How Expensive is Goat Meat?
The short answer? Goat mutton generally costs more than other meat types you find in the market. Several factors influence its price. Goat meat is not readily eaten in the west, so it’s more of a delicacy that requires effort to acquire, prepare, and sell.
Will You Try Goat Mutton?
That’s entirely up to you! Hopefully, this article provided a good starting point on your foodie journey that includes the possibility of ordering a goat dish one day.
For many first-timers, goat meat exceeds their expectations – even if the price tag is higher in comparison with other meats. The experience is usually worth it, especially if the meat or dish is well-prepared by an experienced individual.