Reestit mutton

Reestit mutton (pronounced [ˈriːstɪt̚ ˈmʌt̚n̩], REES-tit-MUT-ən) is a type of salted mutton traditional to the Shetland Islands, Scotland. It has been termed "Shetland's national dish"[1][2]

Reestit Mutton
Reestit mutton on display in a butcher's window in Lerwick, Shetland
Typemeat product
Coursestarter or main
Place of originScotland
Region or stateShetland
Main ingredients
Ingredients generally used
Variations
Similar dishesSkerpikjøt

Etymology

The name reestit mutton comes from the Scots language word reest, meaning to cure by drying or smoking.[3][4] A wooden framework, called a reest, was traditionally placed across the rafters of a building,[3] from which the mutton would traditionally be hung to dry with the aid of smoke from a peat fire.[1]

Origin

Reestit mutton was traditionally prepared as a way of preserving mutton so that it could be eaten during winter. It is related to similar Scandinavian methods of drying meat, such as skerpikjøt.[1] If prepared correctly reestit mutton can remain edible for up to four years.[2]

Preparation

Reestit mutton is prepared by soaking a leg or shoulder of mutton in brine. The correct ratio of course salt to water for the brine is achieved when a potato or egg will float in the solution.[5] Some recipes also call for the addition of a small amount of sugar or saltpetre to the solution.[6] The mutton is kept in the brine until the solution has reached all parts of the meat, which can take around three weeks.[5] The meat is then hung to dry in proximity to a peat fire until the meat solidifies.[5]

Flavour

Reestit mutton has a salty flavour,[7] which is also influenced by the peat smoke which it is exposed to when drying.[1] The food is considered nostalgic by Shetlanders.[1]

The first butcher to sell reestit mutton on a commercial basis in Lerwick, Shetland advertised it as having "an acquired taste that you acquire at the first taste".[1]

Dishes

Reestit mutton is commonly used as the basis for reestit mutton soup. The soup is made with tatties (potatoes), and is commonly served with bannocks - small savoury scone-like baked items.[1] This dish is commonly associated with the Up Helly Aa fire festival. It can also be used as the filling of a reestit mutton pie.[8]

References
  1. Atia 2014.
  2. Scottish Field 2018.
  3. Graham 2009.
  4. "Dictionary of the Scots Language:: SND :: reest v1 n1".
  5. Discovering Britain & Ireland 1985, p. 369.
  6. Brown 2011.
  7. Wishart 2016.
  8. Armitage 2016.

Sources
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