Whether you are trying to solve today's time crunch for cooking easy meals or serve your guests an elegant meal or just looking for recipes that exemplify a healthy lifestyle, American lamb is for you...any time, any place.

Our website has many mouth-watering recipes you can enjoy any day of the week. You can learn about our co-op, get more information on fresh American lamb, from why it's the perfect choice to how to prepare it. So come explore our site and order some lamb for your family today.

What is lamb?
Lamb is the meat from young sheep. The United States Department of Agriculture has specified that to be labeled lamb, the meat must come from sheep that are less than one year old. Most lamb sold today is much less than one year old.

Why is lamb considered a tender meat?
Tender meat comes from muscles that have little use. Since lamb is so young, the muscles have had little use so the meat is still very tender.

Why is American lamb such a good value?
American lamb cuts are larger and the meat more tender than imported lamb. Lamb is simpler and more economical to prepare and serve. Today's cuts ensure portion control and minimize waste.

Is Lamb a "healthful" food?
Yes, lamb has an excellent nutritional profile, fitting in perfectly with the trend toward lighter, leaner and more healthful foods.

Nutrient-dense lamb provides an excellent source of iron, protein, zinc, niacin and the B vitamins. A 3-ounce serving of lean lamb averages 176 calories, only about 36% of the fat is saturated. The rest is mono or polyunsaturated. The same 3-ounce serving also contains just 76 milligrams of cholesterol.

Why do people prefer American grown lamb over foreign lamb?
Primarily because of the taste. American grown lamb has a milder, more delicate flavor than foreign lamb, which has been described as being more gamy in taste. American lamb is also preferred because the cuts are bigger and maintain a higher meat-to-bone ratio than foreign lamb.

Is lamb available year-round?
Lamb is no longer considered a seasonal meat. Lambs are produced in every state under widely varying conditions. Producers have a constant supply of high quality lamb 12 months a year. The country's 75,000 lamb producers are dedicated to keeping fresh lamb on your menu year around.

What type of cuisine is lamb best suited for?
Because of lamb's versatility it is compatible with almost any type of menu. Lamb works well with both traditional American fare and the increasingly popular ethnic trends such as Mediterranean and Caribbean cooking. It fits today's style of lighter, leaner and healthier foods. Barbecue lamb ribs, lamb salad, stir-fried lamb and lamb stew are showing up as entrees on contemporary menus.

Does lamb require special cooking methods or seasonings?
Dakota Lean Lamb is as easy to prepare as it is versatile. It lends itself to broiling, roasting, braising, barbecuing, stir-frying, sautéing or stewing. Lamb is best when served rare to medium. Overcooking lamb, a common mistake, can diminish its flavor and texture. While lamb has a classic affinity for many spices and herbs, it requires only simple seasonings to become an excellent offering.

How does lamb fit in with today's food trends?
Lamb provided an ideal opportunity to take advantage of today's trends: the return to simpler, more basic cooking; the rebirth of classical dishes; and an overall emphasis on health and nutrition. Lamb also lends itself to signature dishes, regional American cooking styles, and the growing ethnic trends.