Meat
Merino
B tier
Merino mutton is mature meat from fine-wool flocks—Australian, South African, Spanish-derived, and related strains—where wool income historically justified keeping animals longer. Leaner frames and lighter fat cover than many meat breeds define many pure Merino culls. Flavour is cleaner and less greasy than heavy downland mutton when animals are grass-raised; older wethers can be excellent for slow cooking and Middle Eastern spicing. Light trim and moist methods prevent dryness in the fine-grained lean.
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History
Expanding Merino runs produced large volumes of mature sheep meat beside fine wool.
Karoo Merino systems similarly supplied domestic mutton markets.
Export focus on lamb left Merino mutton largely for domestic and processing use.
Chefs rediscovered aged Merino wether for refined slow-cooked dishes.