Solway Salt Marsh Lamb stocked at Cranstons

Cranstons will be selling Salt Marsh Lamb from Anthorn Farm on the Solway from Thursday 9th August up until late October.

Salt Marsh Lamb is recognised as a delicacy in Europe, especially in the Normandy Region of France where it known as Agneau de Pre-Sale. It is becoming increasingly popular in England.

Richard Irving and Mike Waning's Anthorn Farm lies fourteen miles North West of Carlisle on the Solway Estuary. Farm Manager Mike explains the why the lamb has such a distinctive flavour: 'Sun, sea and short, sweet grass-these are the ingredients that make Anthorn Salt Marsh Lamb so special. Each spring, the new lambs are given the freedom of the marsh. For the next few months they thrive in the mild climate, feeding on grass, wild flowers and herbs that have been sweetened by the tidal waters of the Solway. This is what gives the lamb its distinctive, sweet flavour. The meat is coated with just enough fat to keep it tender, giving a delicate taste and texture.'

Salt Marsh Lamb is the latest speciality meat to be launched by Cranstons, who stock a number of different speciality meats throughout the year, including rare breed Saddleback Pork from Brougham Hall Farm, Rose Veal from Heaves Farm in South Lakeland, and Herdwick Lamb reared on the Lakeland Fells.

Roger Cranston, Operations Director, explains: 'Alongside our standard locally-sourced meats, Cranstons feature a number of regional specialities throughout the year, giving our customers the chance to try something different. Having visited Richard and Mike's Farm, I can see how the unique environment in which the lambs graze produces the sweet, delicate taste they are known for.'

Salt Marsh Lamb will be on sale from Thursday 9th August at Cranstons Food Hall in Penrith and two traditional butchers' shops in Carlisle and Brampton, as well as being available to order in both their Penrith and Hexham Shops. Alongside traditional cuts such as leg and shoulder joints, leg steaks and cutlets, Cranstons will be offering a Salt Marsh Lamb Burger. Half Salt Marsh Lamb Boxes will also be available to order nationwide from Cranstons online shop at cranstons.net.