Lamb Head
The head portion of lamb, a traditional cut used for parts such as the cheek, tongue and brain. Usually boiled or roasted; a classic of head-and-trotter cuisine.
What Is Lamb Head?
Lamb head is the head portion of a lamb; it is used with the cheek meat, tongue, and, in some regions, the brain. It is one of the main parts of the traditional Turkish head-and-trotter cuisine.
The edible portions are small but intensely flavorful; boiling them produces a rich, gelatinous broth. They are generally cleaned thoroughly, boiled or roasted, and served with seasonings.
Lamb Head Nutrition
Depending on the mixture of head parts, lamb head contains approximately 135 kcal of energy per 100 g and is high in protein; the values are approximate because they vary according to the parts used. It is recommended that lamb head be eaten in moderation, one piece at a time.
How Should Lamb Head Be Eaten?
Because it is a single piece of offal, lamb head should be eaten in moderation and cooked thoroughly; careful cleaning and cooking are important.
This information is general; lamb head is a food and does not replace medical treatment.
How to Choose Lamb Head
Good lamb head is clean, fresh, thoroughly cleaned, and does not have a strong odor. Meat from a young lamb is lighter in color and more tender; avoid pieces that are darkened or smell bad.
- The color should be light and the smell clean.
- It should be thoroughly cleaned and washed.
- Do not choose pieces that are darkened or have a strong odor.
How to Store Lamb Head
Store raw lamb head in a covered container in the coldest part of the refrigerator for 1–2 days, or in the freezer for months. Because offal spoils quickly, fresh consumption is recommended; keep raw meat separate from other foods.
Using Lamb Head in the Kitchen
Lamb head is most often used in head-and-trotter soup; it can also be boiled and the cheek and tongue meat removed, or roasted and seasoned. The gelatinous cooking liquid adds body and flavor to soup.
How to Clean Lamb Head
Wash the head thoroughly and remove the hair (singe it if needed), rinsing it several times in plenty of water; it is then ready to boil or roast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which parts of lamb head are eaten?
Mostly the cheek meat and tongue are eaten; in some regions, the brain is also used. The cooking liquid is used to make soup.
What is head-and-trotter soup?
It is a traditional soup made by boiling the head and trotters for a long time; it is gelatinous and thickened with a dressing.
Why does lamb head need to be cleaned thoroughly?
Because it is from the head, removing hair and residue thoroughly before cooking is important for both flavor and hygiene.