Lamb

Dorset Horn

Threatened: Fewer than 1,000 annual registrations in the United States 

Origin: 1860 Oregon territory by way of England 

Flavor Profile: Olive, lavender, sweet, round 

Producers: Tamarack Sheep Farm, Corinth, Vermont 

History: The Dorset Horn is a breed of sheep that spread over Dorset, Somerset, Devon, and most of Wales during the 1700s. Once popular with English aristocracy, the Dorset Horn has seen a steady decrease in population since the inception of industrialized agriculture. Dorsets tolerate heat well — heat tolerance contributes to the rams’ ability to breed earlier in the season than rams of other breeds. The Dorset Horn is able to give birth three times a year, which contributes to the Dorsets profitability and appeal for farmers who are familiar with heritage breeds.

Tunis

Watch: Fewer than 2,500 annual registrations in the United States 

Origin: 18th Century Eastern United States by way of Tunisia, Libya and Egypt 

Flavor Profile: Earthy, minerally, buttermilk, light, silky 

Producers: Tamarack Sheep Farm, Corinth, Vermont

History: The Tunis breed originated in Tunisia, the breed was brought to the U.S. as a gift to George Washington and is reputed to be more than 3000 years old. Referred to as fat-tailed sheep in the Bible, the color ranges from tan to red with the occasional white spot on the head and haunches. John Adams mentioned the breed in his diary in 1782 noting its exceptional taste. Thomas Jefferson ordered a herd be imported from Tunisia because he loved them so much.

Navajo-Churro

Threatened: Fewer than 1,000 annual registrations in the United States 

Origin: 1500s Navajo Country and the mountains of New Mexico by way of Spain 

Flavor Profile: Rich, earthy, tangy, sweet, mustard seed, spicy, herbaceous, silky

Producers: Antonio Manzanares in the Navajo Country

History: The Churro was brought to the Americas in the 1500s by the Spanish. The earliest domesticated livestock in the New World, it quickly became integrated in native culture and cuisine. The Navajo-Churro produces excellent wool and meat. It was Navajo women who owned the sheep, the grazing rights and the wool, which was an important source of income. The Navajo-Churro existed in great numbers until the 1860s when the United States government targeted their populations while at war with the Navajo.