Veal can be a controversial topic when talking meat, and there are those people that love it and enjoy eating it, and those people that feel the meat should be banned from production.
Another group of people have never come across the meat before, and may have some questions.
In this article we answer the 18 most common questions asked about Veal!
So, what is veal? Veal is the name given to the meat that comes from calves. The calves can be slaughtered as early as 2 weeks old, and up to 8 months. The meat is a pinky white or grayish color, and has a mild delicate flavor. Due to the young age of the meat, it is generally more tender, and more expensive to buy, than beef.
What animal does veal come from?
Veal comes from calves. The veal industry is controversial because calves are often taken away from their mothers shortly after birth and raised in confinement.
Is veal humanely-raised?
The veal industry has been criticized for its methods of production, which include confining calves in small crates or pens. This prevents them from being able to move around, and they are often given a limited amount of food so that their flesh will be pale and tender.
Many people believe that this is an inhumane way to raise animals, but the veal industry defends its practices, arguing that the calves are well-cared for and receive all of the necessary nutrients.
Pressure from welfare and animal rights campaigns have encouraged many producers to improve the welfare of the animals they rear.
The introduction of rose veal has made the less humanely reared white veal less commercially acceptable.
What are the different types of veal?
There are three main types of veal
- White veal
- Rose veal
- Brown veal
We will now explain the differences between these 3 meats.
White veal?
White veal is the most common type of veal. It comes from calves that are between two and three weeks old and have been fed a milk-based diet. The meat is pale in color and has a mild flavor.
Rose veal?
Rose veal is a type of veal that comes from calves that are between two and four months old. The calves are fed a diet of milk and grains, which gives the meat a pinkish color. Rose veal has a slightly stronger flavor than white veal.
Brown veal?
Brown veal comes from calves that are six to eight months old. The calves are fed a diet of hay and grains, which gives the meat a brownish color. Brown veal has a stronger flavor than white or rose veal.
Is Veal classed as a Red or White Meat?
Although the pale color of veal may lead you to believe it is a white meat, it is in fact considered a red meat as defined by the USDA.
What does veal taste like?
Veal has a mild delicate flavor that is slightly different than the flavor of other types of meat.
Due to the young age of the meat, the flavor of veal is not as fully developed and robust as with beef. For this reason, you will often find that veal is served with added herbs, spices, breadcrumbs, or a sauce to enhance the flavor.
What are the benefits of eating veal?
Veal is a nutrient-rich meat that is high in protein, iron, and B vitamins. It also has a lower fat content than other types of meat, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet. Veal is also easy to prepare and can be cooked in many different ways.
Each type of veal has its own unique flavor and texture. Veal is a versatile meat that can be used in many different dishes.
Why is veal so expensive?
Veal is a relatively expensive meat, due the much smaller yield of meat that the animal will provide when compared to a fully grown cow slaughtered for beef.
The farmer will need to get as much money for the calf as they would for a fully grown cow that goes to market, however it will a fraction on the dead weight. This means the price per lb for the veal will be considerably higher than for the heavier beef.
Also, after much negative press, and pressure from welfare groups, the veal industry has had to improve the animals living conditions, which have led to increased production costs.
What are the different cuts of veal?
There are several types of veal available, including:
- Veal chop
- Veal shoulder
- Veal Roast
- Osso Bucco / Veal Shank
- Scaloppini
- Ground Veal
- Diced Veal
Each type has its own unique flavor and texture. Veal is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways.
What is Veal Scaloppini?
Scaloppini is a type of veal that is taken from the leg and cut into thin slices. It has a delicate flavor and a slightly chewy texture. This dish is often pan fried and served with a light sauce, such as lemon butter or marsala wine.
What part of the animal is Veal Osso Bucco?
Osso Bucco comes from the shank or leg of a calf.
It is cut into thick slices and then braised or roasted.
What is a veal schnitzel?
A veal schnitzel is a thinly sliced piece of veal that has been breaded and fried. It is often served as a main course, and is a popular dish in many countries.
The veal schnitzel is often seen on the menu as a ‘Wiener Schnitzel’ and is sometimes substituted with pork instead of veal.
What can I substitute veal with?
Veal can be substituted with chicken, pork, or beef. Each type of meat has its own unique flavor and texture. Choose the meat that best suits your taste preferences and cooking style.
Can you eat veal rare?
Yes, you can eat veal rare. However, it is important to cook it properly so that it is safe to eat. Veal should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Products made from Ground Veal should be cooked to a minimum of 165oC.
Can you freeze veal?
Yes, you can freeze veal. However, it is important to note that long term freezing will affect the flavor and texture of the meat, and will also cause the meat to lose some of its nutrients.
Can you age veal like beef?
Veal can be aged, however one of the main purposes of aging beef is to tenderize the meat. Veal is already tender due to the young age of the meat and so aging does not add a great deal of benefit to the meat.
Should you soak veal in milk?
Although it is not necessary, there are many chef’s that believe soaking the veal in milk for several hours prior to cooking helps to further tenderize the meat.
What are veal sweetbreads?
Veal sweetbreads are a type of meat that comes from the thymus or pancreas of calves. They are considered a delicacy and are often served as an appetizer or main course.
The sweetbreads have a delicate flavor and texture, and can be cooked in many different ways.
They are a popular ingredient in French cuisine, and can be sautéed, braised, or served with a sauce.
Veal sweetbreads are a healthy and nutritious choice, and are a good source of protein, iron, and zinc.
They can usually be purchased from specialty food stores or online.
Can you eat veal when pregnant?
Many people are curious if they can eat veal when pregnant. The answer is yes, you can eat veal while pregnant. It is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for pregnant women, however it should be avoided being eaten rare and preferably cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160oC to ensure that any harmful bacteria has been destroyed.
