Meat
raw lamb spleen.
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-free
ALSO KNOWN AS
lamb spleen
SERVING
CALORIES
105
PROTEIN
18.3g
CARBS
0g
FAT
3.0g
FIBER
0g
NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g
Everything in this ingredient.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Calories105kcal—
Protein18.3g37%
Carbohydrates0g0%
Fiber0g0%
Sugar0g0%
Total fat3.0g4%
Saturated fat1.1g6%
Trans fat0.10g—
Cholesterol270mg90%
Water77g—
MINERALS
Sodium85mg4%
Potassium340mg7%
Calcium8.0mg1%
Iron39mg217%
Magnesium18mg4%
Phosphorus220mg18%
Zinc2.5mg23%
Copper0.20mg22%
Manganese0.03mg1%
Selenium45µg82%
VITAMINS
Vitamin A0µg0%
Vitamin C35mg39%
Vitamin D0.10µg1%
Vitamin E0.20mg1%
Vitamin K0µg0%
Thiamin (B1)0.08mg7%
Riboflavin (B2)0.35mg27%
Niacin (B3)5.5mg34%
Pantothenic acid (B5)0.60mg12%
Vitamin B60.10mg6%
Folate (B9)4.0µg1%
Vitamin B125.2µg217%
%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.
MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS
How much is what.
1 cup150g
1 tablespoon9.4g
1 teaspoon3.1g
1 ml0.6g
1 liter625g
1 piece75g
HEALTH BENEFITS
Why eat it.
- ✓Extremely rich in highly bioavailable heme iron, which helps prevent and treat iron-deficiency anemia.
- ✓Excellent source of Vitamin B12, crucial for nerve function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis.
- ✓Provides a significant amount of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant that supports cellular energy and cardiovascular health.
- ✓Good source of other B-vitamins like Riboflavin (B2) and Niacin (B3), essential for energy metabolism.
COOKING TIPS
In the kitchen.
- 1To mellow its strong, irony flavor, soak the spleen in milk or salted water for 30-60 minutes before cooking, then rinse and pat dry.
- 2Cook quickly using methods like pan-searing, grilling, or stir-frying to maintain a tender texture, as it can become tough if overcooked.
- 3Dice and add to stews, savory pies, or pâtés, pairing it with robust flavors like garlic, onions, thyme, and red wine to complement its richness.
- 4Ensure it is cooked thoroughly to a safe internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to eliminate any potential pathogens.
STORAGE
Keep it fresh.
- For short-term storage, refrigerate immediately at or below 40°F (4°C) in an airtight container and consume within 1-2 days due to its high perishability.
- For long-term storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil or a freezer bag. Freeze at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 3 months for best quality.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Is lamb spleen healthy?
Yes, lamb spleen is a nutrient-dense organ meat that is exceptionally high in heme iron and Vitamin B12. It provides 18.3g of protein per 100g with only 105 calories, making it an excellent choice for blood health and energy metabolism.
Is lamb spleen good for treating anemia?
Lamb spleen is one of the best dietary sources of highly bioavailable heme iron. This type of iron is more easily absorbed by the human body than plant-based iron, making it very effective for preventing and treating iron-deficiency anemia.
Is lamb spleen keto-friendly?
Yes, lamb spleen is perfect for ketogenic and low-carb diets because it contains 0g of carbohydrates. It is a high-protein, moderate-fat food that provides essential micronutrients often missing in standard diets.
What does lamb spleen taste like?
Lamb spleen has a rich, earthy, and slightly metallic flavor, similar to liver but generally milder. Its texture is unique—soft and somewhat spongy when raw, but it becomes firm and meaty when properly cooked.
How do you cook lamb spleen?
Common preparation methods include stuffing it with herbs and suet before roasting, or slicing it thin and pan-frying it with onions and garlic. It is important not to overcook it, as the texture can become tough and rubbery.
How should I store raw lamb spleen?
Raw lamb spleen is highly perishable and should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator for no more than 1-2 days. For long-term storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze it for up to 4 months.
How can I tell if raw lamb spleen is fresh?
Fresh lamb spleen should have a deep reddish-purple color and a moist, glistening surface. Avoid any spleen that has a slimy film, a greyish tint, or a strong, sour, or ammonia-like odor.
Is lamb spleen halal?
Yes, lamb spleen is considered halal provided the lamb was slaughtered according to Islamic dietary laws. It is a traditional and popular ingredient in many Middle Eastern and North African cuisines.
What are the benefits of CoQ10 found in lamb spleen?
Lamb spleen is a natural source of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant that plays a vital role in cellular energy production. It is particularly beneficial for cardiovascular health and protecting cells from oxidative damage.
Do I need to peel lamb spleen before cooking?
It is highly recommended to remove the thin, translucent outer membrane before cooking, as it can be quite tough. You can also soak the spleen in cold water or milk for about an hour to help mellow the intense iron flavor.
