FAQs
Where do I buy John Penny meat from?
John Penny supplies lots of local butchers and we are delivering to new butchers every week. Ask your local butcher for John Penny meat.
What are the animals at John Penny's farm fed on?
The animals on the farm are fed on a 100% natural diet - the recipe of which is top secret!
How do high welfare production methods influence the quality of the meat products you sell?
Modern farming methods and high welfare production systems aim to produce better meat from more content animals, which tastes better.
My family is trying to avoid genetically modified foods. Is John Penny meat genetically modified?
You can rest assured that John Penny does not produce or sell genetically modified pork, beef, or lamb. All of our farm animals are 100% natural.
Is pork a red or white meat?
Pork is a red meat. Meat from all cloven-hoofed animals is classified as "red".
Why is beef aged and not pork?
Beef has a stronger connective tissue, making it less tender. Aging beef causes the enzymes in the meat to break the connective tissue down, thereby tenderising it.
Pork on the other hand does not have the strong connective tissue. This means it’s not as tough to begin with and there’s no advantage to aging Pork.
I love meat, but how healthy is it?
When it comes to good health and good eating, meat gets top marks!
Meat contains many of the nutrients recommended by The Food Standards Agency to build and maintain a healthy body. It’s a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals, such as iron, selenium, zinc, and B vitamins. It is also one of the main sources of vitamin B12. Therefore making meat a regular part of your diet makes good sense.
I love meat, but is it suitable as part of my children's diet?
Yes, meat is full of the nutrients needed for growing children - proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Which part of a lamb does a lamb chop come from?
Lamb chop comes from the loin of a lamb. Why not take a look at our lamb recipe section which also includes lots of information about the different cuts of lamb?
Where does fillet come from?
Fillet steak comes from the underside of the sirloin cut. Sirloin is a strip of meat that runs from the backbone down to the upper belly. Why not take a look at our beef recipe section which also includes lots of information about the different cuts of beef?
Which part of a pig does a pork chop come from?
A pork chop comes from the loin which runs across most of the back of the pig. Why not take a look at our pork recipe section which also includes lots of information about the different cuts of pork?
What are the different ways of cooking meat?
There are many different ways to cook your meat. We have put together a cooking techniques section to help you.
What is stewing steak?
Stewing steak is a cheaper cut of meat that needs long and slow cooking, possibly in something acid like tomato or alcohol. Stewing steak is often sold by different names, such as shin, neck or chuck steak. We have put together a number of recipes for this cut of meat.
What is braising steak?
Braising steak can be used for stews, casseroles and for braising. Braising steak can from chuck, blade or thick rib, why not take a look at our recipes for lots of ideas on how to cook this cut of meat.
Which part of a lamb is good for roasting?
You can get a good roast from either the leg or shoulder; it often has a bone running through it. Why not take a look at our recipes for lots of ideas.
Which cut of beef is a good choice for roasting?
There are lots of cuts of beef you can use for a lovely roast, such as rib, topside or silverside. Why not take a look at our recipes for lots of ideas.
Which cut of a pig is good for roasting?
You can roast almost all cuts from a pig. Our favourite roasts come from the shoulder, loin, belly and leg. Why not take a look at our recipes for lots of ideas.
What is freezer burn, and is it harmful?
Freezer burn is caused when the meat in your freezer is exposed to the air. The moisture slowly evaporates from the surface of the meat, leaving a dry discoloured surface. It can be trimmed off without affecting the rest of the meat. To avoid freezer burn, wrap your meat and seal it from the outside air. It’s not harmful if you eat it, but the flavour and texture will not be optimum.
What is the difference between lamb and mutton?
Most people consider these meats the same, but there are some distinct differences. Meat from a sheep that is between four months and one year is considered lamb. Mutton is the meat from a sheep over a year old. Generally, mutton has a deeper flavour and can be used for stew. If you have a recipe that calls for mutton, substitute lamb and shorten the cooking time for desirable results.
What is corned beef?
Corned meat originated from London in 1725. It was invented by a man called John Wilson, a chemist. The real secret of producing true corned beef is known only by a very few people and they guard their secret very carefully.
In the UK, the term corned beef refers to the tinned variety, which is made from finely minced corned beef in a small amount of gelatine and is sold in distinctive oblong-shaped tin.
Our Recipes
Our delicious recipes have been individually selected by category and cut of meat. Explore the options below.
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People in the know buy John Penny meat
John Penny is a family run business which uses sustainable farming methods to produce the finest quality beef, lamb and pork.
Buy John Penny meat and support the welfare of animals, the future of farmers and the longevity of your local butcher.