Autumnal sheep (mutton)

Autumnal sheep (mutton)

Autumn is seen as the start of mutton season. As far as Farmer Sharp is concerned (ME) it is always mutton time. It is just, that at this time of year, there are the beginnings of dark nights and cold days; and the lust after hearty robust slow roasts and stews; and nothing will do that better than the world renowned Herdwick Mutton, now with a PDO. 

Above is the logo given to products that have achieved Protected Designation of Origin. This is the same protection given to champagne. 

I guess though that a fantastic robust roast of Herdwick mutton from the sunny Lake District (where it obviously never rains) would go better with a bottle of Jennings finest www.jenningsbrewery.co.uk  

or maybe a laughing gravy from www.ulverstonbrewingcompany.co.uk. And if that doesn't  float your boat, a big huge red wine, to be honest they all do it for me. Herdwick mutton deserves only the best accompaniment.

Herdwick mutton chump/rump

Chump is a fantastic cut. It will weigh app 300g boneless, and is a perfect portion for two to three people. Just brown and caramelize in a heavy frying pan, then open roast in a medium oven for  less than half an hour. It will deliver!

 Herdwick mutton leg 

This mutton leg will weigh app 1.8kg and will serve six to eight people with left overs for sandwiches the following day. Or 'maybe' not? Brown and caramelise in a heavy frying pan, then open roast in a medium to hot oven for just under two hours will deliver perfectly cooked pink mutton. Most people will tell ewe that mutton needs to be cooked long and slow and possibly boiled. This is not the case with top quality mutton like Herdwick, which will surprise ewe, I guarantee.

Herdwick mutton chops

These chops will weigh app 100g each, two chops per person. With these mutton chops ewe will see that there is a level of internal fat content. Unlike most other mutton, ewe will find the fat has a pleasant eating quality. In research Herdwick has been shown to have raised levels of omega 3 healthy fatty acids. So not claggy and healthier too; how good is that.

 Herdwick mutton noisette 

This joint will weigh app300g and will serve two to four people. This favourite of the seventies and eighties has been over shadowed by the much hyped french trimmed rack. But the noisette will be much better value and will deliver every time. Brown and caramelise in a heavy frying pan, and finish of in the oven for a maximum of ten mins, just to warm through, then slice and serve 'RARE'. Amazing.

Boneless shoulder of Herdwick mutton

This shoulder will weigh approximately 1.8kg and will serve at least eight people, maybe?

The beauty of this cut is in long slow cooking. I like it pierced with garlic, anchovies and fresh rosemary and after browning vigorously, roast for two and a half hours in a low temp oven. It makes an amazing roast, like only Herdwick mutton can.

I here a cry: where can I get this amazing product from?
Well strange ewe should ask that the answer obviously is
www.farmersharp.co.uk