Sheep meat is called lamb, hogget, or mutton, depending on the age of the sheep. Here are the differences between these three terms:
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Lamb: This refers to the meat of a sheep in its first year of life, typically under 12 months old. Lamb is tender and mild in flavor, making it a popular choice for many dishes.
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Hogget: This term is used to describe the meat of a sheep that is between one and two years old. Hogget has a stronger flavor than lamb, but is still relatively tender.
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Mutton: This is the meat of a mature sheep, typically over two years old. Mutton has a stronger, more gamey flavor than lamb or hogget, and is often tougher as well.
In some countries, there are even more specific classifications for sheep meat based on factors such as age, sex, and diet. However, in the United States, most sheep meat comes from animals between 12 and 14 months old and is marketed as "lamb".