Actually, mutton is meat from an adult sheep (as opposed to a lamb) - do you know the expression 'mutton dressed as lamb'? I don't think it's very often sold any more, though it used to be popular for its relative cheapness - but then, in comparison to lamb, it's pretty tough! Irish stew is traditionally made with mutton, though a quick check for recipes now tells me that lamb seems to have replaced it.
I don't eat either mutton or lamb, but I have vague memories of my mother complaining that a lot of what is sold as lamb isn't
spring lamb, but 'lamb' which is quite a bit older... perhaps what might be more accurately labelled mutton?
Wendy
