There is a lot we can say about lamb kidney. The cherished staple that was once famous in British kitchens is now making a comeback. We can recall that lamb kidneys, especially the offal, were common in British cuisine. It was a meal that could be served in pubs or at home as breakfast, a confirmation that it was a fabric of the country in terms of meals.
What happened then? There was a time when organ meats were no longer favored, and people replaced them with leaner cuts. Some also got the idea of clinging to vegetables. However, the age of sustainability came when people started opting for ancestral health. The win was that the Lamb kidney was getting a revival. People are now aware of the benefits of lamb kidneys and have embraced them.
This blog explores lamb kidneys and provides information on their nutritional and health benefits. We will also help examine where one can get quality kidney lambs in the UK. If you’re curious about food and want to learn more about kidney lambs, then this is the place for you. Stay put.
What Are Lamb Kidneys?
For newcomers, that is the question they will be asking. Lamb kidneys have the shape of a bean and are located at the backbone of a sheep. When you take a lamb, you will get two kidneys that help with the filtering of blood. Now, these kidneys in culinary terms are referred to as the offal (though it’s a large category)
Appearance and Taste
Their appearance is oval, and their color is a reddish-brown. Additionally, the lamb kidney is smaller and softer compared to beef kidneys. When lamb kidneys are cooked, they will have a smooth and creamy texture, yet still retain the savory richness of the meat. Additionally, they have a delicate flavor that compliments spices of any nature.
Nutritional Value
Lamb kidneys are a nutritional winner. Let’s highlight the nutritional value expected for a lamb kidney.
- Protein: ~16g – This is important for our immune system and muscle repair.
- Iron: ~5mg – We should know that iron helps in oxygen transportation within the body.
- Zinc and Selenium- This one is for the immune system.
- Vitamins that help the body.
When your meat lacks carbohydrates, lamb kidneys will provide all the other benefits that are listed above. There is no doubt that you will be consuming a rich source of nutrients. It’s a meal that can support muscle growth and also aid those on a weight management plan.
Health Benefits of Eating Lamb Kidneys
We cannot exhaust the health benefits of lamb kidneys in one sitting. However, we will do our best to give some benefits that will make you want to try this meal.
Let’s discuss two benefits in this segment, and we can explore them further in our next blog posts.
Supports Metabolic and Immune Health
Lamb kidneys have different minerals and elements that help in energy metabolism. Additionally, it supports brain health and the immune system’s overall strength.
Let’s take vitamin B12 as an example. It is a vitamin that helps in keeping our nerve cells healthy in older people.
There is also a group of people who will experience a fast and a nutritional boost after taking kidney lambs. The group includes people with illnesses who want to recover quickly.
Nutrition Benefits That we Probably Lost
Have you heard of the nose-to-tail philosophy? People are supposed to eat the whole animal without throwing away anything. In the UK, the philosophy is getting rooted into the people day by day.
The function of the kidney is to support other organs in the body. An ancestral system connected to medicine suggests that consuming kidney lambs may be beneficial for a person’s urinary and adrenal health (although scientific evidence is limited). It indirectly helps because there is an improved intake of nutrients in the body.
Are Lamb Kidneys Safe to Eat?
Eating organs has been a concern. Why? People worry about the safety concerns that come with the consumption of kidneys. The truth is that when lamb kidneys are prepared properly, all the safety concerns are maintained.
A misconception about the Limb Kidney.
There is a misconception that kidneys retain toxins. Let’s discuss that. The role of the kidneys is to filter wastes from the blood, but there is no point in storing that toxic waste. Healthy kidneys will eliminate waste through urine rather than retaining it.
There is a belief that kidneys will have a foul odor when they are not cleaned and cooked correctly. It is not a failed statement because we all know that any meat, when stored improperly, will spoil, and mostly, the smell will be off.
However, when prepared properly, the smell goes away. For instance, the best way would be to soak in acidic water or milk for a few hours before cooking.
How to Prepare Lamb Kidneys Safely
There is a process that can be used to prepare the lamb kidneys in a way that is safe and efficient. Anyone can use the method outlined.
- The first step is to remove the outer membrane of the kidney, then put it under running water. That way, you will be trimming and rinsing the kidney to remove the outside dirt.
- The second step would be to soak. As mentioned, it can be soaked in acidic water or milk for an hour. That is a good way to neutralize the foul odor and deal with the impurities.
- The third step is cooking. After you purchase it, it doesn’t take long before cooking it. You also want it fresh.
- Finally, know how to cook them. Avoid overcooking to avoid them becoming rubbery.
Who Should Avoid Them?
Kidney lambs are not suitable for everyone to eat. There are exceptions that we should make.
The first group of people is people with kidney diseases. The reason is that it will raise uric acid in their body, worsening the situation.
The other group of people who should avoid lamb kidney is those who have been prescribed low-cholesterol diets. The reason is that lambs have high cholesterol, which will also affect the flood levels. Therefore, this group of people should consult with their healthcare provider before eating kidney lambs.
Lamb kidneys are a healthy organ meat. It only takes the proper preparation and a good recipe to get a delicious meal. For many years, it has been an underutilized healthy diet, but the groups mentioned should take caution before trying it.
Buying Lamb Kidneys in the UK
Go to the right spot to get your lamb kidney for food safety concerns. In the UK, lamb kidneys are not commonly found in supermarkets, but that doesn’t mean they are not available on the market.
Where to Find Lamb Kidneys;
Local Butchers
Some independent butchers can supply you with quality lamb kidneys. The best thing is that you will know the origin of that kidney to determine whether it’s fresh or not. In these local butchers, you can also get trimming to remove the upper membrane.
You can look for a butcher who sources meat from British farms. They will prioritize the freshness of the kidney lamb, which is an advantage to you.
Supermarkets
Supermarkets will also have kidney lambs. For example, you can purchase fresh lamb in the fresh meat section of Waitrose. It’s fresh, although you have to request the removal of the outer membrane.
For kidney lambs purchased in supermarkets, it’s essential to check the expiration date.
Online Retailers
In the UK, we are fortunate to have effective online stores. At the comfort of your home, you can order your kidney lamb and get it in a short time.
The benefit of buying online is that there is traceability, which guarantees quality. Additionally, you will support the ethical and sustainable standards of meat production in the UK.
What to Look For When Buying
There are certain factors to consider when purchasing kidney lambs. One is the color. A good lamb kidney should be red-brown. Any other color means poor quality or an unhealthy product. Secondly, it should be smooth with a fine texture, especially if it’s very soft; a question can be raised about the safety standards of that lamb meat.
Other things to note are the smell and the fat content. The smell should be clean. It should not have an unpleasant odor; otherwise, you will be consuming unhealthy meat. Having fat on the kidney lamb is okay but it should not be excessive.
How to Cook Lamb Kidneys
For the first time, cooking the lamb kidney can be challenging. Thus, there is a need to know the proper technique. We know that overcooked kidneys will not be good. When cooked the right way, the flavor and the taste are something to behold.
In addition, the taste pairs well with red wine, herbs, and other flavors and still retains its freshness. Thus, get the right recipe and follow the guidelines, and you will enjoy a delicious meal.
By all means, prepare the lamb kidney well before cooking and avoid overcooking it.
Cost and Sustainability of Eating Lamb Kidneys
It is evident that food prices are rising. Therefore, during this period of sustainability, the practical solution would be to have some lamb kidneys in your fridge. Everything about it is sustainable.
A Budget-Friendly Source of Nutrition
If you are keen, you will notice that prime cuts are slightly overpriced compared to the lamb kidney. Despite that, they all offer the same nutritional value, and sometimes, kidney lambs have a somewhat better nutritional value. In the UK, the price of a lamb kidney per kilogram is between 3 and 6 pounds.
Some people want to cut the costs of food but still crave to keep protein and other essential elements. One portion of kidney lambs would give quality protein, iron, and other nutrients while cutting down the costs that would be incurred when going for the conventional cuts and supplements.
There is also something else. Imagine a small piece can have a significant impact on stews and pies. To top it all, incorporating it into vegetables and grains yields a truly remarkable meal.
Reducing Food Waste with Nose-to-Tail Eating
We mentioned the nose-to-tail philosophy. In this philosophy, the consumption of the entire animal is encouraged. Thus, the consumption of lamb kidney suggests support for the philosophy that promotes considering the whole animal as a whole.
When the kidneys are incorporated into our meals, we enjoy several advantages. First, there is the reduction of the waste from livestock production. Second, we give honor to the animals by using all of their parts. Finally, we support meat vendors that rely on whole animal sales.
Environmental Impact and Resource Efficiency
The production of additional lamb kidneys does not require further environmental resources. The animals raised for meat will be the same ones that provide us with lamb kidneys. When people opt for offal over meat cuts, it is likely to reduce pressure on meat production. There will be relief for the grass-fed farms and the organic suppliers in the UK.
The baseline is that the production of kidney lambs is sustainable. There is efficiency, and we are also respecting the animals. Can we say anything about the nutritional value?
Lamb Kidneys and Other Organ Meats
You might be wondering why we keep insisting on lamb kidneys. Yes, they are a standout based on the nutritional value that they hold, but that can’t keep us from comparing them to other organ meats. Such as the liver and the heart. If you have gathered enough knowledge, you are capable of making the right choices.
Nutritional Differences
In this segment, we will compare kidneys, livers, the heart, and sweetbreads. All of them are rich in nutrients, but with different variations. Kidneys have B12, iron, and zinc. The fat content is also low, especially when properly trimmed.
On the other hand, the liver is rich in vitamin A and iron. The heart is highly packaged with CoQ10, and that means good support for the cardiovascular system. When it comes to sweetbreads they have a low iron content, but they are rich in fat-soluble vitamins.
Conclusion
In Britain, Lamb kidneys are more than a snack. Lamb kidney is an organ meat that is rich in nutrients, affordable, and suits every health-conscious meal. When there is a mention of the British food heritage, you can’t go down the list without the mention of kidney lambs.
There are numerous benefits to be enjoyed. These organ meats contain B12, iron, zinc, and other nutrients that support the body in various ways. There are improvements in cellular health, energy production, and immunity, among other benefits.
Most people who support the nose-to-tail philosophy believe that consuming lamb kidneys is a return to a traditional and beautiful culinary philosophy in the country. With proper preparation of the meat, a fine and delicious meal is guaranteed.
If you are cooking the meal for the first time or you are a seasoned cook, lamb kidneys should never be left out of those recipes you have. We know the rich history of lamb kidneys and their place in British cuisine. Today, we have learned of the nutritional value and the sustainability of lamb kidneys.
I have given a list of places where you can get a kidney. You will be surprised at what you have been missing.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Should you take the left or right kidneys?
Yes, they are packed with nutritional value that you can’t resist. The primary nutrients are B12, iron, and zinc, all of which would help improve your body’s health.
Q2: Would you give me an overview of the taste of lamb kidneys?
Lamb kidneys are mild. When the correct procedure is used in cooking them, they are tender and have an earthy flavor. As compared to other meat organs such as liver, lamb kidney is less intense.
Q3: How should I clean my lamb kidney before the cooking process?
Trimming should be done to remove the outer membrane. Then, you will soak your lamb kidney in cold milk for approximately an hour. Then you can proceed to cook. Soaking helps get rid of the foul odor.
Q4: Is it possible to eat kidney lamb every day?
Do not be tempted. Kidney lambs are good, but they should be eaten in moderation. Some nutrients, such as B12, should not be taken in large quantities.
Q5: Do we have lamb kidneys in the UK?
Yes, there are various online stores, such as Farmison, that are ideal to supply you with lamb kidneys. Local butchers can also be helpful. The important part in purchasing a lamb kidney is going for the fresh cut.
Q6: Are there limitations on the intake of lamb kidneys?
Yes. People with kidney disease or gout should seek the help of a doctor before taking that organ meat. Chronic diseases should not interfere with the uric acid that comes from the organs. This group of people can eat lamb kidneys, but after consulting a dietitian and a doctor.
