In the USA, there isn't a specific, distinct term widely used instead of "mutton." Generally, meat from older sheep, which would technically be considered mutton, is often still labeled and sold as "lamb," even though it may exhibit characteristics more typical of mutton.
Here's a breakdown:
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Lack of Clear Definition: The USDA doesn't have a strict age definition to differentiate between lamb and mutton. This allows meat from sheep up to 24 months old to be labeled as "lamb."
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Impact of Age: Meat from older sheep (mutton) has a stronger flavor and tougher texture compared to lamb.
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Confusion in Labeling: Because of the lack of regulation, what consumers purchase as "lamb" in the US may actually be mutton, especially if the sheep was nearing the 24-month age limit.
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Limited Availability: True mutton (distinctly labeled as such) is not commonly found in most American grocery stores. It is more likely to be found at specialty butchers or farms that specifically raise sheep for mutton.
Therefore, while "mutton" is the correct term for meat from mature sheep, it's often simply labeled as "lamb" in the US market due to the USDA's flexible definition.
