As the weather warms up, spring is perfect for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and fresh, seasonal flavours.
When it comes to meat, spring is all about celebrating what’s in season and making the most of lighter, more tender cuts.
In this blog, we look at some of the best options to elevate your spring entertaining.
Spring outdoor entertaining is all about lamb!
If there’s one meat that takes centre stage in spring, it’s lamb. Known for its tenderness and delicate flavour, spring lamb is a must-have for any occasion, from weeknight family dinners to weekend BBQs with friends.
What makes spring lamb different from lamb available later in the year?
Spring lamb comes from younger animals (typically 3-5 months old). This results in exceptionally tender meat with a mild, delicate flavour. Spring lamb is loved for its fresh and lighter eating experience.
What are the nutritional benefits of eating spring lamb?
Not only is spring lamb delicious, but it’s also packed with protein, iron, and B12. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy, hearty meal while fuelling your body.
How does the diet of spring lamb affect its quality?
Spring lambs enjoy fresh green pastures, meaning their meat is naturally tender and full of flavour. Their grass-fed diet gives the meat a sweet, clean taste that’s a cut above the rest.
What are some good ways to cook spring lamb to preserve flavour and tenderness?
Keep it simple and let the lamb do the talking! A slow roast, grill, or quick pan-sear will bring out its juicy tenderness. Pair with herbs and lemon for an extra burst of flavour.
Is spring lamb ethically sourced?
Spring lambs are free-range and pasture-raised, meaning they live a good life outdoors. Choosing locally sourced lamb helps support ethical farming and guarantees a higher quality cut for your plate.
More versatile meats and produce you can enjoy through spring and into summer
While spring lamb is more seasonally exclusive, meats like pork, chicken, duck, goat, rabbit, and turkey are enjoyed all year round, including spring.
They may not have the same seasonal spotlight as lamb, but they’re versatile and work beautifully in spring dishes. Lighter cuts or flavours pair well with the fresh, vibrant produce of the season, making them popular choices no matter the time of year.
What other produce can you make the most of during spring & summer?
Fruits
- Strawberries: Juicy and sweet, strawberries hit their peak in spring.
- Blueberries: Fresh and bursting with flavour, perfect for snacking or adding to desserts.
- Pineapple: Sweet and tangy, ideal for spring salads or grilling.
- Mangoes: The early varieties of mangoes start appearing towards late spring.
- Cherries: Another late spring favourite, cherries bring a burst of sweetness.
Vegetables
- Zucchini: A versatile veggie great for roasting, grilling, or spiralling into zoodles (zucchini noodles)!
- Green beans: Perfect for steaming, or in a stir-fry or salad.
- Carrots: Ideal for roasting, adding to salads, or simply raw snacking.
- Sweet potato: Though available all year round, sweet potatoes reach their peak in spring. Excellent for roasting, mashing, or making chips.
- Broccoli: Another favourite available all year round, broccoli thrives in spring with tender stalks.
- Spinach: Fresh, leafy spinach thrives in spring, ideal for salads or sautéing.
Fresh and vibrant spring salad ideas
- Asparagus and goat cheese salad: Combine asparagus with local goat cheese and a light lemon dressing for a simple and refreshing salad.
- Strawberry and spinach salad: Pair sweet spring strawberries with spinach, feta, and a drizzle of balsamic for a quick and tasty combo.
- Zucchini ribbon salad: Mix thinly sliced zucchini with lemon, olive oil, and a sprinkle of parmesan – light and perfect for a spring BBQ.
- Grilled nectarine and rocket salad: Grilled nectarines bring that spring sweetness, paired with peppery rocket and a drizzle of local honey.
Why choosing fresh, seasonal meat is better for you – and the environment!
When you choose seasonal meat from Australian Butchers Store, you’re doing more than just picking up a fresh cut.
You’re making a choice that benefits the environment.
Our meat is 100% Aussie-grown, sourced from local farmers, and delivered to our stores every day. By choosing locally sourced, in-season meat, you’re cutting down on the environmental impact that comes with long-distance transport and off-season production methods.
Since our meat is prepared in-store by skilled butchers who work directly with these local suppliers, you’re supporting sustainable practices that rely less on energy-intensive farming. Not only does this reduce emissions, but it also ensures you get the freshest, best-tasting meat possible – all while doing your part to promote eco-friendly choices.
It’s a delicious and responsible way to enjoy premium quality meat that’s been sourced and prepared with care.
Shop meat online or in-store at Australian Butchers Store
With four locations across Melbourne and convenient delivery throughout metro Melbourne, you can count on us for the freshest cuts at unbeatable wholesale prices. Shop online or visit us in-store today!
