This premium meat is a fantastic option for both quality and flavour
Veal might not be a meat that you cook with very often, but when you do, you’ll know why it’s such a highly regarded option. English veal isn’t just delicious, it also comes with many nutritional benefits that can help you create some superfood recipes and healthy dinners.
If you’re considering introducing more veal into your weekly mealtime roster, chances are you’ve got some questions. Well don’t worry, we’re here with all the key information you need about this irresistible meat. Here are the top benefits of cooking with English veal. Let’s take a look.
FAQs on English veal
What is veal?
Veal comes from male calves. When cows give birth to female calves (or heifers), they tend to grow to become diary cows themselves. However, male calves are either raised to maturity for beef, or they are used for veal production. This meat comes from calves of about 20 weeks old. Offspring of dairy cows are normally removed from cows within three days of giving birth.
Why is veal meat light in colour?
People often wonder where veal gets its light colour from. This is the result of the calf’s age, and the level of iron content in the muscle. Iron content (or myoglobin) produces a red pigment which impacts the colour of the meat. To keep the meat light without harming the calf, the amount of iron a calf receives is controlled through a balanced milk-based diet.
Where can I get English Veal?
There was once a time when it was difficult to come across quality cuts of English veal. You certainly might struggle to find it at your local supermarket. However, the presence of online butchers like the Dorset Meat Company means you can have high quality English veal delivered straight to your door.
Veal is extremely nutritional
Veal is indeed a meat choice with numerous nutritional benefits, contributing to its popularity as a premium option in various dishes. It serves as a key ingredient in a wide range of recipes, from the classic Italian osso buco to lighter options like bone broth diet diet recipes.
One notable advantage of veal is its low-fat content, making it a favorable choice for those aiming for a healthy diet. Additionally, veal contains selenium, a vital mineral that plays a role in protecting the body from the harmful effects of free radicals. These free radicals have been associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. Thus, veal can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet. English veal is also rich in iron, which the human body needs in order to transport oxygen. Iron is also key to helping us maintain our energy levels.
Veal also contains several key vitamins, including vitamin D (which contributes to muscle function and bone health), vitamin B12 (which helps with our energy) and vitamin B3 (which helps produce insulin, haemoglobin and keratin, which is good for hair health). Vitamin A is also present in veal liver, which is important in helping to prevent some diseases like cataracts, malaria and measles.
Zinc, which is good against cold and flu, and magnesium, which lowers fatigue, can also be found in English veal.
Veal calves are often raised on family farms
As well as being a great meat in and of itself, veal calves are mostly raised on family farms where conditions are very good. The majority of veal calves live in group pens rather than enclosed boxes. Veal farmers tend to work with vets to ensure the health and comfort of their animals. Calves are fed a quality and carefully created diet that meets their nutritional requirements, helping them to grow and maintain their health. Even better, the Veal Quality Assurance Programme (VQA) is there to certify that veal farmers provide excellent animal care and use the best handling practices on their farm. This will give you peace of mind that you are buying quality, ethical meat.