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AbbacchiovsCordero lechal

lamb · Close equivalent

These cuts are closely equivalent — the same or nearly identical cut across different butchery traditions.

Both are PGI suckling-lamb traditions in southern Europe — Castilian (cordero lechal, ≤21 days) and Roman (abbacchio, ≤60 days). Different regional protocols and preparation traditions.

Translation takeaway

These are near equivalents in the way butchers and cooks use them. If you can source either one, you're very close to the same result.

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Abbacchio
Lamb · Rack

The Roman tradition of suckling lamb, PGI-protected as 'Abbacchio Romano' since 2009. Lambs are slaughtered young (under 60 days, weighing 8–13kg) and the entire animal is broken…

NeckRackLoinChumpLegShoulderBreast
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Cordero lechal
Lamb · Leg

Castilian PGI tradition of milk-fed suckling lamb, slaughtered at 21 days or younger, weighing under 7kg. Roasted whole or in halves in a wood-fired clay oven (horno de leña) at…

NeckRackLoinChumpLegShoulderBreast
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Names by country

CountryAbbacchioCordero lechal
🇺🇸United StatesSuckling lamb
🇬🇧United KingdomSuckling lamb
🇫🇷FranceAgneau de lait
🇪🇸SpainCordero lechal
🇦🇷ArgentinaCordero lechal
🇲🇽MexicoCordero lechal
🇵🇹PortugalBorrego de leite
🇧🇷BrazilCordeiro de leite
🇮🇹ItalyAbbacchioAgnello da latte
🇩🇪GermanyMilchlamm

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