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Have you ever tried eating animal liver? If you haven’t, you are missing out! Animal liver is a rich source of protein and offers a variety of other nutrients as well.
If you’re an athlete who needs a protein-rich diet or simply want to make your skin glow, the animal liver is your answer.
There is a range of options you can choose from while purchasing animal liver. You’re here because you are confused about which one to buy. Well, don’t worry. We are here to help you with precisely that.
Contents
Beef Liver Vs Lamb liver: Which one to choose
There are a few notable differences between beef liver and lamb liver. Both animal livers have a similar protein content, but beef liver has a higher cholesterol content. Lamb’s liver is generally pricier than beef liver in most parts of the world. It also helps to know that the liver of beef and lamb tastes different than their meat.
There is more than one factor to consider for a thorough comparison between beef and lamb liver.
We have made it easier for you by discussing the pros and cons to help you make the best decision.
Continue reading to learn more!
Beef Liver VS Lamb Liver: Quick Summary
Beef liver and lamb liver vary in certain aspects. Before we dive into a detailed analysis of both, let’s quickly summarise their features:
| Aspects | Beef Liver (every 100g) | Lamb Liver (every 100g) |
| Calories | 133 | 138 |
| Texture (raw) | Slippery, jelly | Jelly |
| Vit C | 1.1 | 1.1 |
| Taste | Earthy | Bitter |
| Vit A | 20% less than lamb liver | 20% more than beef liver |
| Protein | 20.35g | 20.4g |
| Carbohydrate | 5g | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 274 | 139 |
| Iron | 4.78mg | 4.6mg |
| Price | Less price than lamb liver | More price than beef liver |
Beef Liver VS Lamb Liver: Detailed Comparison
Now that you have a better idea of the difference between beef and lamb liver, it’s time to take a closer look. Without further ado, let’s dive into the detailed explanation!
Athletic Performance
If you’re an athlete or engage in strenuous activity, you need sufficient protein in your diet. Animal liver adds a significant amount of protein to your diet.
Are you wondering which liver is a better source of protein? Beef liver contains 20.35g of protein per 100g of the liver, while lamb liver contains 20.4 grams of protein per 100g.
As you can see, both types of the liver have similar protein content. Therefore, beef liver and lamb liver are excellent sources of protein.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential part of a balanced diet, especially for those who want to improve their vision. If you’re one of them, you’re probably looking for food sources with high Vitamin A levels.
Lamb liver has about 20 percent more Vitamin A than beef liver. So, between beef liver and lamb liver, lamb liver takes the cake for vitamin A levels!
Please remember only to eat liver for vitamin A in appropriate amounts. All foods are only nutritious as long as they are consumed in moderation.
Calcium Source
We know how essential calcium is for the healthy development of bones and for maintaining proper metabolism. So, having a rich source of calcium in your meal is always beneficial.
Beef liver contains 5g of calcium per 100g of liver, whereas lamb liver only contains 1.98g. Beef liver offers significantly more calcium for every 100g of liver you eat. So, beef liver is the way to go if you want more dietary calcium.
Truthfully speaking, the liver isn’t a food that everyone enjoys. Some people may find the taste of animal liver rather unpleasant.
Disliking the taste of animal liver shouldn’t stop you from gaining its nutritional benefits. Some supplements let you enjoy the same nutrients without having to eat liver!
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Taste
Taste is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of food. It is natural to be drawn to foods that have a pleasant taste. So, what tastes better? Beef liver or lamb liver?
The liver generally has a distinct, unique taste that isn’t anything like its meat. The taste of animal liver may be overwhelming at times to some people. It is essential to know what ingredients complement the flavors of the liver.
Many people enjoy the taste of beef liver. It is a great summer snack and tastes delicious when cooked on medium flame.
It is also essential to achieve the right texture while cooking liver. The overcooked liver is hard and tastes burnt. Therefore, please stick to cooking it on medium or low flame.
On the other hand, you may need more time to get used to the taste of lamb liver. It is essential to properly cook lamb liver; otherwise, it can result in a gamy flavor.
Price
The last factor we will discuss is the price point. Many of us are on a budget that doesn’t allow us to splurge on the animal liver. So, it is essential to see what type of liver is more budget-friendly.
In most places, lamb liver is at a higher price point than beef liver. Therefore, beef liver is ideal for those looking for more affordable options. You can enjoy similar protein content from the beef liver at a lower price!
Final Verdict
Whether you choose beef or lamb liver largely depends on your dietary requirements. For athletes, both animal livers are excellent sources of protein.
Beef liver and lamb liver have similar protein content. So, you can choose either beef or lamb liver if you’re looking for a rich source of protein.
If you’re trying to add an extra vitamin A source to your or your child’s diet, lamb liver is the best choice. As we mentioned, lamb liver contains about 20% more vitamin A than beef liver does. To boost your eye health, lamb liver will be a great addition to your diet.
If you have a bone problem or other issues associated with calcium deficiency, we recommend adding beef liver to your diet. Beef liver contains significantly higher levels of calcium compared to lamb liver.
It is best to consult your doctor if you have pre-existing medical conditions. For example, if you have high cholesterol levels, it is best to steer clear of beef liver.
Beef liver contains a considerable amount of cholesterol which can be harmful if consumed excessively.
Another factor that contributes to your final decision is the price. In most geographical areas, lamb liver costs more than beef liver. So, beef liver is cheaper if you’re on a budget.
Many people prefer the taste and texture of beef liver rather than lamb. Beef liver tastes incredible when sauteed with onion and other seasonings. It is the perfect snack for a warm summer day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some people soak liver in milk?
Soaking liver in milk can help remove the bitter or vinegar-like flavor it sometimes carries. It is best to soak them for about an hour or two before using them in your meals. You can try doing this to enhance the taste of the animal liver.
Does the color of the liver turn green while being cooked?
Animal liver can sometimes turn green due to biliary leachate. Biliary leachate is present in the gallbladder and isn’t toxic to humans. People get rid of the green liver for primarily cosmetic reasons. Please remember that the gallbladder or a part of it may sometimes stay attached to the liver.
Is it safe to eat raw liver?
We recommend eating cooked liver only. Raw liver, or any raw food, can harbor various harmful microorganisms. These include salmonella, campylobacter, hepatitis E virus, and more that cause many foodborne diseases. So, regardless of the freshness of the meat, it is best to stay away from raw animal liver.
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Final words
We have finally reached the end of the post! We hope our article “Beef Liver vs. Lamb Liver” has helped you decide which one to add to your meals.
As discussed, beef and lamb livers are great protein sources and other nutrients. Since animal liver doesn’t taste like its meat, you must cook it with ingredients that enhance its flavors. So, please find suitable ingredients to boost the taste of animal liver.
Thank you for reading. Stay tuned for our next post!