America's Appetite For Ground Lamb Grows With Increased Retail Availability And Global Flavors Trends

Spice Up Weeknight Dinners with Local Lamb and Global Flavors

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Apr 14, 2015, 01:05 ET

DENVER, April 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Ground American lamb is sizzling alongside global spices, as both trend at the dinner table this year. According to recent IRI retail scanner data, the mellow flavor of ground lamb is surging in popularity. The American Lamb industry credits this surge to ground lamb's increased retail availability, coupled with its versatility and usage in popular globally inspired dishes.

Spicy Chipotle American Lamb Tacos with Cabbage, Radish, and Pineapple Slaw

IRI data indicates ground lamb consumption was up more than 8 percent in 2014 over 2013¹. Simultaneously, spice, herb, and seasoning purchases have increased 20 percent in the past five years².

"As more and more Americans have a taste for ethnic cuisines, ground local lamb, married with bold spices, brings home the global flavors that people are craving," says Megan Wortman, executive director, American Lamb Board. "It's the perfect way to bridge locavore leanings with adventurous palates, whether you're making tacos or kofta gyros."

The American Lamb Board's newest recipe, Spicy Chipotle Lamb Tacos with Cabbage, Radish, and Pineapple Slaw, puts a Latin spin on the typical taco by combining spicy adobo chiles with a sweet pineapple slaw. Click here for more ways to savor the global flavors of American lamb and visit the American Lamb Board's Facebook page to learn about popular spice pairings and receive a complimentary spice blend and Global Flavors cookbook.

About the American Lamb Board

The American Lamb Board is an industry-funded research and promotions commodity board that represents all sectors of the American Lamb industry including producers, feeders, seed stock producers and processors. The Board, appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, is focused on increasing demand by promoting the freshness, flavor, nutritional benefits, and culinary versatility of American Lamb. The work of the American Lamb Board is overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the board's programs are supported and implemented by the staff in Denver, Colorado.

¹IRI Fresh Look. (2014). Fresh Meat and Lamb Review. Commissioned by the American Lamb Board and Meat & Livestock Australia.

²Meszaros, E. (2014, December 15). Authenticity Rules in 2015 Spice Trend Predictions.

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SOURCE American Lamb Board