Sweetbread facts for kids

Sweetbreads are a type of food that might sound a bit confusing at first! They aren't sweet pastries or regular bread. Instead, sweetbreads are actually the culinary name for certain glands from young animals, usually calves or lambs. The two main glands used are the thymus and the pancreas. People around the world enjoy them as a special dish.

Sweetbreads on mushroom risotto.

What Are Sweetbreads?

Sweetbreads are edible organs from animals. They are not muscle meat like steak or chicken. The most common types come from calves (young cows) and lambs (young sheep). Sometimes, sweetbreads from beef or pork are also eaten.

The word "sweetbread" first appeared in the 1500s. The "sweet" part might come from their rich taste. The "bread" part could come from an old word meaning "roasted meat."

Where Do These Glands Come From?

The two main glands used as sweetbreads are:

• The thymus gland: This gland is part of the immune system. It is found in the neck and chest of young animals. As animals grow older, this gland usually shrinks.
• The pancreas gland: This gland helps with digestion and making hormones. It is located near the stomach.

Sometimes, other glands are also called sweetbreads. The thymus gland is often called "throat sweetbreads." The pancreas gland is sometimes called "heart sweetbreads" because of its shape.

How Are Sweetbreads Prepared?

Sweetbreads need special preparation before they can be eaten. Here are some common steps:

• Soaking: First, they are often soaked in salt water. This helps to clean them and remove any impurities.
• Poaching: Next, they are gently cooked in milk or broth. This makes them tender and removes their outer membrane.
• Chilling: After poaching, they are usually dried and chilled. This helps them firm up.

Once prepared, sweetbreads can be cooked in many ways. They are often coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crispy. They can also be used as a filling for other dishes or in a smooth paste called pâté. In some countries, like Argentina, they are grilled as part of a barbecue. In Turkey, they are sometimes served in bread.

Images for kids

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  A dish of crusted sweetbreads

See also

In Spanish: Lechecillas para niños