Taste of the Solway

Last updated 09:11, Friday, 22 August 2008

NEW season saltmarsh lamb reared on the banks of the Solway is now on sale at Cranstons butchers.

Mike Waning and his saltmarsh sheep

It is produced by Richard Irving and Mike Waning of Anthorn.

Their salt marsh lamb was introduced into Cranstons Cumbrian stores in 2007, and proved a fantastic success among both local and visitors.

For many years, the sweet, tender and distinctly-flavoured meat of lambs grazed on coastal salt marshes has been regarded as a fine delicacy, particularly in France.

In recent years, the product had gained in popularity among discerning food lovers throughout the UK.

Richard said: “We graze our lambs out on the salt marshes of the Solway, between the spring and the autumn.

“The first lambs for this season are just now becoming available, and we are delighted to be able to see them on sale again in Cranstons stores.

“We have produced our salt marsh lambs for many years, but the demand has really taken off recently as food writers and celebrated chefs have helped to re-awaken demand for this very special and geographically rare product.

“The resulting lamb, far from tasting salty, has a sweet, fragrant and quite distinctive flavour.”

The lamb costs £1 per kilo more than normal lamb and sample prices per kilo are: boned and rolled shoulder £9.28; leg of lamb £10.78; lamb cutlets £14.38.