Seasonality
British lamb and mutton are seasonal products, however they are still available all year round.
Spring lamb - very tender but does not have as much flavour as lamb later in the year as it has not had as much time to graze.
Autumn lamb - has had more time to graze and grow and therefore has stronger flavours.
Lamb from Christmas until the following Spring - known by some retailers and caterers as 'hogget', this lamb has a pronounced flavour that works well with seasonal root vegetables.
Mutton - is at least two years old and has a much stronger flavour then lamb. It is available year-round but is best, and most readily available between October and March.
Environment
Sheep spend most of their lives grazing outside - their flavour will therefore be dictated by their diet and the environment in which they have been reared.
