|
With
its two and four horns, the distinctive Manx
Loaghtan sheep is unique to the Isle of Man and is
the last of the breeds of mountain sheep which may
have roamed the Manx hills in their thousands up
until the eighteenth century. It also happens to
be «probably the best lamb in the world» according
to its many international plaudits, including
famous TV chefs Si King and Dave Myer.
"Loaghtan" (pron. ‘Lock-ton’) is the Manx word for
the "moorit" colour of the fleece. It may be
derived from the two Manx words Lugh (mouse) and
Dhoan (brown) or from Lhost dhoan (burnt brown).
In past times, clothing made from Manx Loaghtan
wool was highly prized.
Today, the champion of Manx Loaghtan is George
Steriopulos who, with his wife Diana and a small
group of local farmers and enthusiasts, have saved
this breed from extinction, taking it to ever
increasing numbers.
As well as raising its profile locally , the meat
is now recognised internationally and has been
regularly exhibited at the world famous Slow Food
Convention " The Salone del Gusto " .
“Our lambs feed, as nature intended, on the pure
herbage of the hillside” says George “and don’t
mature until around 15 to 18 months. As a result
the peerless meat is leaner, fitter and altogether
tastier than conventional lamb”.
Manx Loaghtan farmer, Dougie Bolton is equally
passionate about this very special breed. "Manx
Loaghtan is characterised by being darker, with
just 5% fat (compared to 28% in conventional lamb)
and around 15% less cholesterol. Being hand reared
in very small numbers, and an unsurpassed delicacy
makes for what is simply the most exclusive lamb
in the world".
That provenance and heritage status has now earned
Manx Loaghtan the coveted PDO accreditation from
the European Union.
(PDO - 'Protected Designation of Origin').
“But the real experience is in the taste!” says
George “there is simply nothing else like it”.
"Probably the best lamb in the world".
Manx
Loaghtan is a proud member of Purely Isle of Man,
a group of the Island's finest producers and
craftspeople working together to bring the best of
the Isle of Man to the rest of the world.
For information and specialist trade sales, please
contact:
George & Diana Steriopulos
Ballaloaghtan
Kerrowkeil Road
Grenaby
Isle of Man
IM9 3BB
sales@manxloaghtan.com
Tel: 01624 824618
Fax: 01624 824618
Mobile: 07624 492850
|
