What is it and where is it from?

The meat from Herdwick sheep, a breed traditionally farmed on the Lake District hills; they have white heads and legs, and while the lambs are born black, their wool becomes grey as they age.

What is its heritage?

A link has been suggested (on genetic grounds) with Scandinavian sheep breeds, but their origin is unknown. They were first noted, for their hardiness, in the 18th century. Originally found over a wide area of Cumbria, they are now mostly confined to the western part of the Lake District.

BACKGROUND

• Great British Bites: Herdwick lamb and mutton

• Great British Bites: creel-caught Scottish langoustines

• Great British Bites: Old Gloucester beef

• Great British Bites: red grouse

• Great British Bites: Somerset artisan Cheddar

How do you like your meat?

The head butcher at Donald Russell explains how to tell when a steak is rare or well done

• How to cook the perfect steak

• Reinventing the hotpot

Related Links

• Great British Bites: red grouse

• Great British Bites: Somerset artisan Cheddar

• Great British Bites: creel-caught Scottish langoustines

The writer Beatrix Potter was instrumental in their survival as a breed and favoured them for her farms in the area. They are exceptionally hardy, living outdoors on the hills all year round, although they may end up by grazing on lowland grass before being butchered.

What does it look and taste like?

The meat is dark, fine-grained, lean and tender, with a slightly gamey flavour attributed to the grassland, lichen, bilberry and heather on which the sheep graze.

How is it used?

A leg of Herdwick mutton is at its best roasted very slowly; or try making it into the traditional "tatie pot", a stew of the meat, with root vegetables, some black pudding and perhaps some beef, with a layer of potatoes on top.

Where can I buy it?

The new season lamb becomes available in September. Buy from Farmer Sharp at Borough Market, in London or by mail order: visit www.farmersharp.co.uk

© Laura Mason

Slow Food is an international eco-gastronomic movement which promotes the enjoyment and protection of locally grown produce. For more information on how to join your regional convivium and forthcoming events: www.slowfood.org.uk

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