Agneau de pré-salé facts for kids
Agneau de pré-salé, which means "Salt marsh lamb" in French, is a special kind of lamb. These lambs are raised in unique coastal areas where their pastures are covered by the sea during high tides. This makes their meat taste very distinct and delicious!
Contents
What Makes Salt Marsh Lamb Special?
Where Do These Lambs Live?
Most salt marsh lambs come from France. Famous places include the areas around Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy and the Bay of the Somme in Picardy. You can also find them in some parts of the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
Why Does Their Meat Taste Different?
The sheep that become salt marsh lamb eat special plants. These plants grow in salty soil, like those found near the ocean. They are called halophyte grasses. Because the plants have a lot of salt and iodine, the lamb's meat gets a unique flavor. Many people think this flavor is a real treat!
What is a "Protected Designation of Origin"?
Sometimes, food products are so special because of where they come from that they get a special label. This label is called a "Protected Designation of Origin" (PDO). In France, they also use "Appellation d'origine contrôlée" (AOC).
- A PDO or AOC means that the product must come from a specific place.
- It also means the product must be made using traditional methods.
- This helps protect the quality and reputation of unique foods.
In 2006, salt marsh lamb from the Bay of the Somme area in France got an AOC label. Later, in 2013, it was registered as an EU PDO called Prés-salés de la baie de Somme. In the same year, salt marsh lamb from near Mont Saint-Michel also became a PDO, named Prés-salés du Mont-Saint-Michel.
Salt Marsh Lamb in the UK
Salt marsh lambs are also raised in the United Kingdom. For example, the Gower Salt Marsh Lamb from Wales was protected under UK law as a PDO in 2021. This shows how special and valued this type of lamb is around the world!
