How do you differentiate between goat meat and sheep mutton?

Here's how to differentiate between goat meat (also called chevon) and sheep mutton:

1. Appearance:

* Goat Meat:

* Leaner with less fat marbling.

* Darker red color, sometimes bordering on a reddish-brown.

* More pronounced, sometimes slightly coarse grain.

* Mutton:

* More fat marbling.

* Lighter red color, often a deep pink.

* Finer grain.

2. Flavor:

* Goat Meat:

* Stronger, more intense flavor, often described as "gamey" or "tangy".

* Mutton:

* Richer, more robust flavor than lamb, often with a slightly sweet note.

3. Texture:

* Goat Meat:

* Tends to be tougher and more fibrous than mutton.

* Can be quite chewy if not cooked properly.

* Mutton:

* More tender than goat meat, especially if it's from a younger animal.

4. Bone Structure:

* Goat Meat:

* Bones tend to be thinner and more delicate.

* Mutton:

* Bones are heavier and denser.

5. Cost:

* Goat Meat:

* Generally less expensive than mutton.

* Mutton:

* Usually priced higher than goat meat.

Important Note:

* The age of the animal significantly affects the flavor and texture of both goat meat and mutton.

* Younger animals (lamb for sheep, kid for goat) tend to have more delicate flavors and tender textures.

* Older animals (mutton for sheep, chevon for goat) have more intense flavors and tougher textures.

If you're unsure, ask your butcher! They can provide guidance and help you choose the right cut for your recipe.