Spectacular mutton from the organic pastureland of Whissendine Farm in Rutland
Whissendine Farm Mutton is a mix of North Country Mules and Texels, hardy sheep that are well suited to the estate’s organic pastureland and commitment to low-intensity, sustainable farming practices.
Often known as Cull Yaw or Cull Ewe, properly finished – or fattened – mutton is rich and intense, with a complex, some say almost beefy flavour and wonderful covering of buttery fat. Its superb eating quality is due to a long life spent grazing over diverse grass and herb pasture, building up layers of flavour and marbling slowly over several years.
Mutton benefits from hanging time in the cold room, so we’ve dry-aged these retired Whissendine ewes on the bone for just over three weeks, further deepening the flavours and tenderising the meat.
Something grown so slowly appreciates the same treatment in the kitchen. Overnight marinades, slow braises and long rests – the time to turn to your favourite low-and-slow recipes. Mutton can be a little more textured than lamb or hogget, but gently cooked it will provide a memorable, luxurious feast.
Fattened mutton will handle bold flavours (it makes a rather fantastic curry!) and it’s a good idea to add a zip of freshness at the end of cooking. A dollop of redcurrant jelly, a fruity pickle or dusting of lemon zest and fresh herbs, perhaps.
We’ve selected a few of our favourite recipes for making the most of your mutton – click below to read on.
Ginger Pig’s Fattened Mutton is from the breeding ewes of the Whissendine Farm estate that are no longer able to bear young. They’ve been properly finished, meaning several months of relaxed grazing Whissendine’s rich pastures and herbal leys – the meat is now at its prime.
We are unlikely to see any more of these spectacular ewes until around this time next year, so do try now if you’re intrigued – the meat will freeze well for a few weeks if you don’t wish to cook it right away.
Our founder’s favourite finished mutton cuts, perfect for braising
All the little extras to get the most out of your mutton – from wine to condiments
