BRONX, NY — Lamb is being proclaimed the "new pork," and recipes for cinnamon-infused lamb or authentic tacos with beer-braised lamb, lime, avocado, cumin and fresh cilantro are taking eaters by storm. Tacquerias on the West and East coasts are introducing lamb dishes which are being celebrated on foodie sites like Yelp, DishTip and Foodspotting.com.
"Many Latinos, especially those from central Mexico, revere lamb," said Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, Registered Dietitian and Hispanic culinary expert. "Nothing brings forth nostalgic memories or hearty appetites — or signifies grand family celebrations — like authentic lamb barbacoa."
Karen Hursh Graber, Mexican Kitchen blogger, writes, "Here in Puebla, there is a saying that refers to the best meat and the best fish: del mar, el mero, y de la tierra, el carnero; which basically means that the best food from the ocean is the grouper and the best from the land is lamb."
A U.S.A. Best
"Lamb is an inherently expressive food; more than the flesh of any other animal, its rosy meat speaks of the place in which the animal was raised," reports Saveur magazine. So, when cooking lamb, the origin greatly determines the eating experience. Local preferences are prevailing. According to a recent nationwide survey, nearly 74% more lamb eaters prefer lamb from the U.S. over lamb from Australia and/or New Zealand1.
Mountain States Rosen lamb, available under a variety of grocery labels, is raised the way nature intended — in pastures along U.S. mountain ranges. Each fork-full brings forth the flavor of spring freshness and tender meat morsels. In addition to its mouthwatering taste, lamb is an excellent source of protein, vitamins B12 and niacin, zinc and selenium; a good source of iron and riboflavin; and on average, has only 175 calories per 3-ounce serving.
"Whether you're a long-time lamb lover or new to the craze, one of the best ways to enjoy this unrivaled savory dish is to cook it on the grill," said Mark Hirschorn, chef at Mountain States Rosen (MSR) and a graduate of Hyde Park Culinary Institute. "The key is to cook lamb over low-heat and, if you're working with a thicker cut like a leg of lamb, butterfly it for more even cooking."
Taste the exquisite freshness yourself by registering for your chance to win a Mountain States Rosen Lamb Grill Pack (through June 19, 2012). Just go to the newly launched www.mountainstatesrosen.com website to enter, plus, find lamb recipes and tips for how to cook lamb.
MSR Brands and Background
Mountain States Rosen is a cooperative of family-owned farms in the U.S. producing specialty lamb which many consider the finest lamb you'll ever taste. It is the only producer-owned, fully vertically-integrated lamb and veal company, meaning that the U.S. producers raising and caring for their highly selective breeds also have control over the rigorous production, packaging and distribution process — able to back up their personal pledge for safety, sustainability, best-quality, and consistency.
The MSR family of producers always adheres to responsible raising practices, land management and conservation and offers the finest portfolio of lamb products. Cedar Springs brand is USDA "all natural" — young and earthy with the fresh taste associated with springtime and the tender, juicy meat that make eating pleasurable. Shepherd's Pride lamb is part of a distinctive natural program which guarantees these American-born and -raised lambs never, ever receive antibiotics or added hormones, are 100% vegetarian fed, grain-finished and source verified.
For more information, please visit the NEWLY LAUNCHED WEBSITE at mountainstatesrosen.com or we invite you to join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mountain-States-Rosen/251785744878062
1 American Lamb Attitude & Usage Study, 2011, conducted by Jeffrey B. Gross Marketing Research on behalf of American Lamb Board. When asked among current users, when thinking about lamb preparation at your home, which country do you prefer to purchase lamb from? 40% of respondents selected the United States; 23% had no preference; 13% had no answer; 11% selected Australia and New Zealand, 10% selected New Zealand and 2% selected Australia.
Source: Mountain States Rosen