Benefits of eating Lamb.

The meat of a young sheep less than a year old id referred to as lamb. Once the sheep is about 1 ½ years is it known as mutton.

All meats have high sources of protein. However, lamb is said to be healthier than beef or pork. Lamb is widely used the world over, in many Muslim and Christian religious ceremonies use lamb. The diet of Mediterranean people is high in lamb, it is believed perhaps that’s why they are healthier than those who feed primarily on beef.

As mentioned, lamb is a great source of protein with all 8 essential amino acids. Lamb is also high in other  nutrients such as Omega 3 fatty acids which are mostly found in fish and very few plants which help in boosting your immune system & helps to fight heart disease. Vitamin B complex, in particular Vit B12 helps support the formation of red blood cells and prevents anemia, and promotes a healthier nervous system.

Zinc is important for a strong immune system, wound healing and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. It is also useful in enabling optimal smell and taste functions. Selenium (antioxidant), Folate and Manganese are also found in Lamb, these trace elements also aid in reduction of cancer & heart disease. As well as Iron, Phosphorus, Calcium for your bones and Potassium for your muscles.

Lamb liver is especially good for you – one serving can give you about 40% of the recommended daily intake of protein, high in fat & Vitamin A. Lamb kidney is high in protein and iron but not in calories. This is good news for those seeking to lose some weight or reduce the amount of calories they ingest and those suffering from diabetes and is greatly recommended by doctors. Body builders also tend to eat a lot of lamb because of its high fat content.

This however does not mean you can eat all the lamb you want – remember, it is still red meat full of cholesterol, fats and sodium, all detrimental to your health. Though lamb contains lower levels of cholesterol than beef and pork, so eating lamb once a week is enough to reap its benefits.  Naturally occurring substances called purines are found in all red meats. The body is unable to filter them out (it’s responsible for the condition known as gout and the formation of kidney stones). If you have gout, eat very little red meat, lean meat to be precise.

Lamb works well with a wide range of flavors beyond the traditionally used mint sauce. Spices such as cumin and rosemary are good with lamb. You can also braise lamb in wine for a delightful taste! Marinades also work wonders, enhancing the texture & flavor of the meat.

Ground lamb can make good burgers too!

To be healthy, trim the fat on the lamb so you have just the lean meat to eat, which is a lot healthier!

Are you prepared for The Looming Food Shortage?

Today, I read a certain story in the headlines with interest. Former Budalang'i MP Raphael Wanjala and Businesswoman Joyce Akinyi were arrested near Namanga for alleged narcotics trafficking. However, they were released yesterday after the substances in their possession turned out to be maize flour. Apparently, they had brought back some flour from Tanzania because of the looming food shortage in the country.

Although quite sensational, the one thing no one is arguing about is the looming food shortage. Many of us have heard about it but what are we really doing to ensure that we can sustain ourselves in the coming months? The government has not been of much help either. In order to avoid panic and unrest, the consumers have been assured by the government that the issue is being managed. How? For starters, Kenya has started importing food items from other countries. Although that is a smart move, exactly how much will that tax the consumer? Locally produced food retails much cheaper on the shelves.

As long as their is a food shortage, prices of basic food items will continue sky-rocketing. Tough times are ahead, but with careful planning, you can make the situation less strenuous for yourself. Learn to budget and buy food items in bulk while they are still affordable. Shopping early and in bulk will help you ensure that you have stock for the dry months ahead. Pay attention to expiry dates when shopping so you can buy long lasting goods.

You can also cut down on your spending so you have enough money to last you the tough period or better still, opt for cheaper brands when shopping. If you normally buy fine grade maize flour,  you can go for a cheaper brand. If you choose to do this, make sure that you do not compromise too much on quality. A smart shopper gets the best quality at the most affordable price. Do not just go for cheap.

The important thing for you is to plan so you are not caught off guard when the food shortage unrest finally comes down to the consumer.

Luos and their fish...

In Kenya, fish is found in Lake Victoria. The surrounding is occupied by the Luo tribe in Kenya and are thus famous for their love of fish. Luos enjoy a wide variety of fish from the Lake. The most common fish sold locally are the Tilapia and Nile perch.

There is no standard way of cooking fish. Each person has their tastes and differences.

Different types of fish are best made in different ways thus making it a versatile meal among the Luos.

The most widely adopted process is the frying of the fish in extremely hot oil first thing before preparation. This is done to pre-prepare the fish for cooking, although at this point your fish is ready to eat! It also helps with the preservation of the fish.

 Fish can be eaten fried, as a stew or dry. There are many different recipes you can use to make a delicious meal. Fish flavours are also found in many of our products.

In Nairobi, Mama Oliech Restaurant is the go-to place for all fish lovers. The name ‘Mama Oliech’ resonates fondly in our ears being that it is in reference to Kenya’s star footballer Dennis Oliech.

Prices vary from as little as kshs. 200 to about ksh. 800 for a typical meal of fish and an accompaniment. As usual it depends on which side of town you are and which restaurant you eat from.

Surprisingly, fish is not cheap in Kisumu either. You would assume that since it is practically at the lake, the fish would be cheaper! However, because they are so fresh and require different storage and transportation to be delivered to the customer in the desired conditions, the prices tend to shoot up. You can however get great deals from individual fishermen around the lake.

                                Here is a popular 'Obambo 'recipe from the luos.