Veal for Dummies

Veal is a word that describes a type of meat that comes from a young calf, which is a baby cow. Imagine a sweet, little calf, probably still learning to walk, until one day it grows bigger and stronger and becomes a full-grown cow. But before that happens, some calves are raised specifically for their tender and delicate meat, and that meat is called veal. It is important to note that veal comes from calves that are usually less than six months old.

Now, you might be wondering how veal is different from regular beef. Well, when cows grow older and become beef, their meat tends to be tougher and more robust in flavor. On the other hand, veal is known for its very tender, smooth, and mild taste. It is often considered a delicacy in some cuisines because of its tenderness and delicate flavor.

So, let's think of it this way: just as a baby chick grows into a mature chicken, a young calf grows into a beef cow. Similarly, the meat from a young calf, which is still in the early stages of its life, is called veal. It's like comparing a fluffy little chick to a full-grown chicken – they are both birds, but one is much smaller, cuter, and softer. In the same manner, veal is the younger, more tender version of beef.

Now, there are a few different types of veal, and each one is prepared and cooked in various ways. Have you ever heard of veal chops? They are pieces of meat taken from the back of the young calf, which contain a bone and some tender meat around it. These chops can be grilled or pan-seared to perfection, ensuring a juicy and flavorful meal. Veal cutlets, on the other hand, are thin slices of veal that are often breaded and fried until golden and crispy.

In some countries, veal can also be used to make delicious stews, soups, or ground into a fine mince for meatballs or sausages. The versatility of veal allows chefs and home cooks to get creative and make a wide variety of tasty dishes.

So, when you come across the word veal, remember that it refers to the meat from a young calf, which is tender, delicate, and full of potential for a mouthwatering meal. Just like a little chick grows up to be a big chicken, a baby calf grows into a beef cow, and the meat from this young calf is called veal. And whether it's veal chops, cutlets, or stews, there are endless possibilities to enjoy this special meat.