Meat with Maximum Intra-muscular Fat (Marbling)

Intra-muscular fat is maximum in:

Correct Answer: Mutton

Mutton (sheep meat) has the maximum intra-muscular fat (marbling) among all common meat animals.

Fat Distribution by Meat Type

• Maximum intra-muscular fat (marbling) → Mutton (sheep) and Beef also have intramuscular fat
• Maximum subcutaneous fat → Pork
• Minimum water content → Pork (high fat = less water)
• Mostly subcutaneous fat → Chicken/Poultry
• No intra-muscular fat → Veal
• Buck odour, very firm → Chevon

Intra-muscular vs Inter-muscular Fat

• Intramuscular fat = fat within the muscle (between muscle fibres) = marbling; contributes to juiciness, flavour, and tenderness of cooked meat
• Intermuscular fat = fat between muscles (between muscle groups) = seam fat
• Subcutaneous fat = fat under the skin (external fat)