Description
The Isle of Man Manx Loaghtan Lamb PDO is the name given to meat from pure bred Manx Loaghtan lambs which are born, reared and slaughtered on the Isle of Man.
Production Area
Isle of Man Manx Loaghtan Lamb PDO is produced on the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, off the West Coast of England.
Production Method
Manx Loaghtans are reared in the traditional way and graze on natural pastures of gorse and bracken scrub and heather moorland. During the winter months this is usually integrated with the addition of locally produced grain which gives Isle of Man Manx Loaghtan Lamb PDO the characteristics that distinguishes it from the same breed reared on the fertilised, lowland grass pastures of the UK mainland. Lambing takes place in February and March with no human intervention. The lambs are slaughtered at between 6 and 15 months of age and the carcasses are hung for at least a week in the abattoir. Dressed carcass weights vary from 13 kg if the lambs are six months old to 18 kg if they are 15 months old.
Appearance and Flavour
Isle of Man Manx Loaghtan Lamb PDO is fine grained, less fatty and darker than the meat from more commercial breeds. It has a distinctive, game flavour.
History
The origins of Isle of Man Manx Loaghtan Lamb PDO possibly date as far back as 1.000 years ago. Sheep farming has been long established on the island. One of the earliest written records of 1376 shows the importance this activity had, not only for the high quality meat but also for the wool. At the end of the 18th century there was a decline in the rearing of Manx Loaghtan lambs but it has been considerably revived over the course of the 20th century.
Gastronomy
Isle of Man Manx Loaghtan Lamb PDO should be placed in the coldest part of the refrigerator for a few days only. It is usually grilled, fried or stewed depending on the cut and is also used in a wide range of recipes.
Marketing
This lamb is sold as Isle of Man Manx Loaghtan Lamb PDO. It is sold whole to local wholesalers and exported.
Distinctive Features
The high quality of Isle of Man Manx Loaghtan Lamb PDO is closely related to the specific characteristics of the local climate and the pastures on the island, together with a long tradition in rearing the Manx Loaghtan breed of sheep which has been handed down from generation to generation.
