NSA recommends lamb as a top choice over the festive period

12th December 2018

The festive period is the perfect time to enjoy  family favorites; the traditional turkey, glazed gammon, a rib of beef, or even a tasty nut roast for those who think it’s not ethical to eat meat.  But this year with all the concerns around animal welfare, the environment, and climate change  the National Sheep Association (NSA) is suggesting that discerning and ethically driven consumers should add  lamb to the menu to enhance your Christmas or New Year table.

Extensively raised, reared largely on grass, and packed with nutrients and flavour, British lamb is the ultimate in renewable technology, maintaining our countryside and ecology along the way.   It’s an obvious choice for something different over the festive period, says NSA, especially as it lends itself so well to many of the festive spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “As much as we all enjoy the usual Christmas meats many of us will be looking for something different, especially by the time New Year arrives.

So this year, why not treat yourselves and your guests to some delicious British lamb, produced in our own  beautiful countryside. The micronutrients packed into the meat mean it is a very healthy and tasty way to enjoy a meal this festive season. And importantly, choosing lamb this Christmas or New Year will help to support your local hard-working farmers who continue to strive to protect and enhance the UK’s  environment through their sustainable farming methods.”

Staff at NSA have been enjoying some delicious lamb recipes in the lead up to this years Christmas. From the traditional but always impressive, roasted leg of lamb, to festively spiced lamb cutlets and served with jeweled cous cous all have been thoroughly enjoyed and will now feature on their Christmas tables.

NSA Communications Officer Katie James comments: “This time of celebration is the perfect opportunity to enjoy lamb and support the UK sheep industry. It is a sector that provides so much to the UK public, whether eating sheep meat, wearing sustainable woolen goods or enjoying the stunning countryside that surrounds us. Christmas scenes of Joseph and Mary and the visiting shepherds remind us that sheep have been an essential part of culture across the world, so let’s keep that tradition going over this festive season!”