It's becoming more fashionable for younger generations to shop at a local butcher, and it's not hard to see why. Butchers offer superior quality meats that are sustainably and ethically sourced, allowing you to make a positive impact on the environment and support local farmers. Additionally, butchers offer a variety of cuts, including the lesser-known ones, allowing you to enjoy the whole animal and get more value for your money.
One of the main advantages of buying from a butcher is the variety of cuts available. While supermarkets tend to offer the most common cuts and do not have any variety, butchers have the expertise to prepare a wider range of cuts, including more unusual or specialty cuts. This allows for a greater variety of dishes and flavors, and provides an opportunity to try something new:
The barnsley chop is a thick, double-cut lamb chop that includes both the loin and the tenderloin. This cut is named after the English town of Barnsley, where it originated. It is often grilled and is a popular dish with those who know about it!
Barnsley Chops
A bone-in pork chop is another flavorful cut that may not be available at the supermarket. The bone adds extra flavor and helps the meat retain moisture during cooking. These chops can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, pan-searing, or roasting. Did you know we 4 types of pork chops including the classic boneless pork steak, breast end pork chops and loin pork chops. Breast end chops come from the lower section of the pig's rib cage, closer to the belly, and contain more fat and connective tissue. Loin pork chops come from the pig's back and are leaner with a tender texture. As a result, loin pork chops are more commonly used for grilling and pan-frying, while breast end chops are best when braised or slow-cooked to tenderize the meat.
Breast end pork chop * Loin chops * Pork steaks
The neck of lamb is a flavorful cut that is often used in stews, curries, and other slow-cooked dishes. It has a rich, gamey flavor and is ideal for dishes that require a long cooking time, as the meat becomes very tender and flavorful.
Neck of Lamb, also known as 'scrag of lamb'
You can buy lamb shanks as a fresh cut of meat. In contrast, many supermarkets sell lamb shanks only as part of ready meals or pre-packaged dishes. Lamb shank is a flavorful cut of meat that comes from the lower leg of the lamb. It is a tough cut of meat that requires long, slow cooking to break down the connective tissues and create a melt-in-your-mouth texture. When cooked properly, lamb shank is incredibly tender and flavorful, with a rich and slightly sweet taste that is perfect for hearty stews and curries. It is also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any diet.
Lamb Shanks
For those who have primarily grown up on supermarket meat, it can be a revelation to discover the range of cuts and flavors available from a local butcher. By supporting your local butcher, you can expand your culinary horizons and experience a new level of quality and expertise in your meat purchasing.
So why not give it a try and see what new cuts and flavors you can discover?
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