Category: Superior Farms

As the air warms and flowers bloom, our palates begin to crave lighter, fresher fare. Spring is the perfect season to feature lamb—tender, flavorful, and versatile—paired with vibrant wines that bring out the best in every bite. Whether you’re planning a casual al fresco meal or an elegant spring dinner, pairing lamb with the right wine can elevate your dining experience to a new level of delight.

Superior Farms will explore the art of pairing spring lamb dishes with wine, offering specific suggestions such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with a warm lamb salad or a rosé with grilled skewers. We’ll also highlight two delicious seasonal recipes: Warm Kale Salad with Quinoa and Spiced Lamb, and Sheet Pan Lamb and Gnocchi. Let’s dive into why these pairings work and how you can recreate them at home.

Why Lamb Shines in Spring

Lamb has long been associated with springtime cuisine. Traditionally, it marks the celebration of Easter and the transition to lighter meats after a winter of hearty stews and roasts. Spring lamb is especially prized for its tender texture and mild flavor, making it ideal for a range of preparations—from quick grills to slow roasts.

In spring recipes, lamb is often paired with fresh herbs (like mint or oregano), citrus (lemon zest, juice), leafy greens, and Mediterranean spices. These flavors call for wines that are equally bright, aromatic, and fresh to create balance and harmony.

Principles of Lamb and Wine Pairing

The key to pairing wine with lamb lies in understanding its richness and the spices or marinades used in the dish. Generally speaking:

• Red wines work well with lamb’s earthy richness.
• Rosé complements grilled preparations and herbaceous seasonings.
• White wines like Sauvignon Blanc can shine alongside lamb in salads or dishes with tangy vinaigrettes.
• Sparkling wines offer a palate-cleansing contrast to fatty or intensely seasoned lamb.

Pairing #1: Sauvignon Blanc with Warm Kale Salad and Spiced Lamb

Recipe Highlight: Warm Kale Salad with Quinoa and Spiced Lamb

This hearty spring salad recipe from Homemade features thinly sliced American lamb marinated with soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, cumin, and cinnamon, then seared and layered over kale, quinoa, toasted almonds, dates, and shaved pecorino. A roasted red pepper dressing with red wine vinegar and lemon brings zest and brightness.

Why it Works:

A Sauvignon Blanc, especially from New Zealand or the Loire Valley, is a stellar companion to this salad. Its citrus-driven profile—with notes of lemon, lime, and green herbs—mirrors the freshness of the kale and the lemony dressing. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the lamb and cheese, while its herbal undertones enhance the cumin and minty notes.

Tip: Look for a bottle labeled “Sancerre” (from France) for a more mineral-driven style, or try a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc for more pronounced tropical fruit notes.

Pairing #2: Rosé with Grilled Lamb Skewers or Roasted Gnocchi Dishes

Recipe Highlight: Sheet Pan Lamb and Gnocchi

This convenient sheet pan dinner from Homemade brings together American lamb shoulder chunks, potato gnocchi, broccoli, and kale, all roasted to golden perfection with garlic, paprika, and oregano. It’s topped with a bright, garlicky feta-mint yogurt sauce and served with a lemony arugula salad.

Why it Works:

A dry rosé—particularly one from Provence or California—makes an outstanding pairing. Rosé has enough structure to stand up to the roasted, seasoned lamb and gnocchi, but its crispness and light berry flavors bring lift and freshness. The acidity in the wine complements the tangy feta sauce and lemony greens, while its subtle red fruit notes contrast beautifully with the smoky paprika and roasted vegetables.

Tip: Choose a rosé with a pale salmon color and moderate alcohol (under 13%). These styles tend to be drier and more food-friendly.

Bonus Pairings: A Few More Matches for Spring Lamb

• Grilled Lamb Chops + Syrah/Shiraz: A classic pairing, especially when lamb is grilled or charred. The wine’s peppery spice and dark fruit complement the lamb’s smoky flavors.
• Lamb Meatballs + Grenache or GSM blends: These wines are juicy and vibrant, perfect for herby or tomato-based lamb dishes.
• Lamb Tacos with Yogurt Sauce + Albariño or Grüner Veltliner: These white wines are zesty and aromatic, ideal for dishes with creamy or tangy sauces.

Tips for Hosting a Spring Lamb and Wine Night

If you’re planning a spring dinner party or casual get-together, consider the following:

1. Start light: Open with lamb skewers or lamb salad and a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or rosé.
2. Create contrast: Offer a second wine like a medium-bodied red (e.g., Grenache) alongside a richer lamb dish.
3. Don’t forget the sides: Spring vegetables like asparagus, peas, or artichokes can influence the wine choice. Crisp whites often pair better with these than heavy reds.
4. Chill your reds slightly: Especially in warm weather, serving red wine slightly cooler than room temperature (around 55–60°F) enhances freshness.

A Celebration of Flavor and Seasonality

Lamb, with its tender texture and savory depth, is a natural fit for spring menus. When paired thoughtfully with seasonal wines—like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing rosé—it can create a symphony of flavor that’s both elevated and approachable.

Whether you’re tossing together a warm kale salad or roasting a tray of gnocchi and lamb chunks, these pairings allow the ingredients to shine without overwhelming the senses. So the next time spring rolls around and lamb is on the table, reach for a bottle that highlights the season’s best—and toast to fresh flavors and good company.

Mother’s Day is a time to honor the women who have nurtured, supported, and loved us unconditionally. It’s an opportunity to show appreciation with thoughtful gestures—and what better way to celebrate than by gathering around a beautiful brunch table? While pancakes and mimosas have their place, there’s something distinctly elegant and memorable about serving a show-stopping dish that elevates the entire experience. Turn your Mother’s Day brunch into a culinary celebration by featuring a centerpiece of lamb—specifically, a roast boneless leg of American lamb enhanced with bright, zesty citrus salsa.

Superior Farms will explore why lamb is a perfect fit for Mother’s Day, the benefits of choosing American lamb, and walk through a detailed, brunch-worthy recipe that will delight every guest at the table.

Why Choose Lamb for Mother’s Day Brunch?

When it comes to brunch, most people think of lighter fare—pastries, egg bakes, and maybe a smoked salmon platter. But serving lamb adds a touch of refinement and warmth to the occasion. Lamb is not only tender and rich in flavor, but it also complements a wide variety of seasonal accompaniments, particularly fresh spring produce and vibrant citrus.

Moreover, lamb feels luxurious without being overly fussy. It bridges the gap between breakfast and dinner, satisfying guests with something hearty yet nuanced. For a celebration as important as Mother’s Day, this balance is key—offering a meal that’s both comforting and impressive.

The Importance of Choosing American Lamb

When preparing a special meal for loved ones, ingredient quality matters. That’s why choosing American lamb is an essential step in delivering not only flavor but also ethical and sustainable values to your table.

American lamb is raised with care by family farmers and ranchers across the United States. It’s known for its rich, full-bodied flavor and excellent marbling. Buying domestic products directly supports local agriculture while ensuring that your meat is fresh, traceable, and sustainably sourced.

Opting for American lamb over imported varieties also often means a shorter time from farm to table, which translates to better flavor, texture, and nutritional quality. For a meal that’s meant to show love, these considerations make all the difference.

A Mother’s Day Centerpiece: Roast Boneless Leg of American Lamb with Citrus Salsa

To truly impress this Mother’s Day, consider making the Roast Boneless Leg of American Lamb with Citrus Salsa, inspired by the talented team behind “Two Purple Figs.” This recipe strikes the perfect balance between savory richness and zesty brightness, making it ideal for a springtime brunch that’s as uplifting as it is satisfying.

Ingredients Overview

For the Lamb:

• 6-pound boneless leg of American lamb
• 1 tablespoon coarse salt and pepper (or to taste)

Aromatic Mixture:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon black olive paste
• 3 tablespoons rosemary, minced
• 1 tablespoon grainy mustard
• Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

For the Citrus Salsa:

• 1 grapefruit, segmented
• 1 blood orange, segmented
• 1 orange, segmented
• 1–2 clementines, segmented
• 1 lemon, segmented
• Juice of 1 lime
• ½ red onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• ¼ cup cilantro, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt

Preparation & Cooking: Step-by-Step Brilliance

1. Season the Lamb:

Generously coat the lamb with salt and pepper, pressing the seasoning into the surface. Let the flavors begin to permeate while you prepare the aromatics.

2. Prepare the Aromatic Mixture:

Sauté the diced onion in butter over medium-high heat for about seven minutes until golden, sweet, and caramelized. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Off the heat, stir in the remaining aromatic ingredients, blending into a thick, fragrant paste.

3. Marinate and Tie:

Allow the aromatic mixture to cool, then spread it evenly over the lamb. Tie the lamb securely using kitchen twine to ensure even cooking. Let the lamb rest for 10 minutes at room temperature—or better yet, refrigerate it overnight for deeper flavor infusion.

4. Roast Low and Slow:

Preheat your oven to 275°F. Set up a roasting rack over a foil-lined tray. Roast the lamb for 2 to 2.5 hours until the internal temperature reaches at least 135°F (medium-rare to medium). This slow roast yields melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

5. Sear for Perfection:

Remove the twine and increase the oven temperature to 500°F. Return the lamb to the oven for 10–15 minutes to develop a crispy, golden crust. Rest the meat under foil for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

6. Create the Citrus Salsa:

While the lamb rests, toss all salsa ingredients together in a bowl. The brightness of the citrus combined with the heat of jalapeño and depth of red onion makes this an unforgettable topping that cuts through the richness of the lamb.

7. Serve and Celebrate:

Slice the lamb into thick, tender cuts and spoon generous portions of citrus salsa over the top. The combination of textures and flavors will leave guests savoring every bite.

Accompaniments and Pairings

To round out the brunch, consider these pairings:

• Herbed new potatoes or a spring vegetable medley like asparagus, peas, and carrots
• Crispy sourdough toasts with whipped goat cheese
• A light salad with arugula, fennel, and lemon vinaigrette
• Fresh berry mimosas or a lavender lemonade mocktail

These additions complement the lamb’s flavor and align with the fresh, seasonal theme of spring.

Make It Memorable

Mother’s Day deserves to be a special, unforgettable celebration—and nothing conveys thoughtfulness like a home-cooked meal made with care and intention. By choosing lamb as the centerpiece and infusing it with aromatic herbs and bright citrus notes, you’re not only creating a delicious experience but also honoring the elegance, strength, and warmth of the mothers in your life.

Whether it’s a table set for two or a full family affair, this elevated brunch menu is bound to become a treasured tradition. So tie on your apron, turn up some music, and make Mother’s Day magical with the unforgettable flavor of lamb.

Lamb is not only a popular meat in the United States but still well-loved throughout the world. For millennia, humans have raised lamb to be eaten as food and, although the process has changed since then, Superior Farms reports that you can still find trace similarities to the ancient practices.

Let’s explore how sheep were first domesticated for food and how the practice of raising lamb for meat has changed in recent years. Thanks to better technologies and a focus on animal welfare, the lamb industry has become sustainable and more reliable.

The Origins of Raising Lamb for Food

Lamb has been raised for food for millennia. In fact, it is one of the oldest domesticated animals in the world. Sheep were first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent of the Middle East over 10,000 years ago and, from there, spread to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Lamb continued to play an important part in many ancient diets and, even in the Bible, lambs were sacrificed for religious purposes.

Although it’s difficult to say exactly how early man domesticated sheep, it’s believed that the first lamb came from Central Asian wild sheep. Over several generations, herders were able to slowly turn the animal into a simple domesticated farm animal.

How Lamb Rearing Has Changed Over the Years

Originally, sheep were bred and herded in small flocks by a shepherd and his dog. If they wanted to raise lamb for food, the shepherd would allow a few of the sheep to breed and have lambs each year. They would then care for the lambs until they were old enough to be sold or harvested for meat.

As decades passed, farmers and manufacturers alike began to prioritize better care for the flock and the land they graze. Sheep producers realized that if they help take care of the environment, it’ll take care of them. And now, with the advantages of genetic testing and electronic identification tags, these producers can monitor the specific traits in each animal in order to improve the overall health of their flocks.

Sustainable Farming Today

Superior Farms has partnered with sheep producers from six different states to create a new technologically advanced project, The Sheep Discovery Center: one of the country’s most sustainable agriculture centers. This state-of-the-art Center in Utah, creates a method of lamb production that prioritizes animal health and wellbeing, reduced environmental footprint and blockchain technology, to discover the full potential of each sheep by meeting their needs at every phase in the animals’ lives. The Sheep Discovery Center also implements cutting-edge technologies and production practices, including advanced sustainability methods, seasonal lighting, optimized nutrition, and efficient flock viability.