Lamb Chops

About

Loin section from lamb, typically including the bone.

Information

Other names: Meat Chop

Physical Description

Cut perpendicular to the spine, usually including a rib and a section of the spine. Rib chops are narrow, with a higher fat content and are often cut with an attached piece of kidney. Loin chops are broader and leaner.

Colors: Rare-red. Medium rare-red center, pink fringe. Medium-pink. Medium well-light pink. Well done-light brown.

Tasting Notes

Flavors: rich, bolder than red meat, slightly gamey

Mouthfeel: Tender

Food complements: Basil, Bay leaf, Thyme, Rosemary, Curry, Cumin, Potatoes, Brown sugar, Squash, Mint, Garlic, Dijon, Sweet potatoes, Figs, Ancho chilies

Wine complements: Cabernet sauvignon, Or a semi-sweet red wine

Beverage complements: Apple cider

Substitutes: Beef, Veal

Selecting and Buying

Seasonality: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december

Peak: april, may, june, july, august

Choosing: Look for firm, finely grained pale-to dark-pink meat. The layer of fat should be smooth and white, and any cut bone should be porous, moist, and red.

Preparation and Use

Look for firm, finely grained pale-to dark-pink meat. The layer of fat should be smooth and white, and any cut bone should be porous, moist, and red.

Cleaning: Lamb that has been frozen should never be defrosted at room temperature because harmful bacteria may grow rapidly under such conditions. The best method for thawing lamb (or any other type of meat) is to place it in the refrigerator where it will defrost slowly and safely.

Fresh raw lamb, which has not been frozen, can be easily cut if it is placed in the freezer for a few minutes to firm it up.

Conserving and Storing

The first rule of thumb is to never allow lamb to be exposed to heat or left at room temperature. Once purchased, lamb must be properly stored to prevent the meat from going bad. Lamb can be stored in either the refrigerator or freezer, depending on when it will be used. Lamb that will be used with a day or two should be stored in the refrigerator, kept in its original packaging, in the coldest area of the refrigerator. The ideal temperature should be around 35 degrees, but no higher than 40 degrees.

If lamb will not be used within a couple of days, it must be frozen.