What Makes Chicory-Fed Lamb So Special?

When people think of Matangi, they often think of premium Angus beef, and rightly so. But there’s another side to our farm that plays an equally important role in our landscape, our farming philosophy, and the meals we help create: our lamb.

At Matangi, we raise our lambs with the same care, attention, and purpose that define our beef program. One of the most important decisions we’ve made in that process? Finishing our lambs on nutrient-rich chicory pastures.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes chicory-fed lamb so special — from its impact on flavour and nutrition to why it aligns so closely with our values as a regenerative New Zealand farm.

 

Our Lamb: Thoughtfully Bred, Carefully Raised

We’re proud to raise a high-performing Romney ewe flock — a breed known for its excellent mothering instincts, high-quality fleece, and, most importantly, tender, flavourful meat.

To take things a step further, we’ve introduced Kelso Prime Q rams into our breeding program. These rams are specifically selected for their high intramuscular fat (IMF), which translates to well-marbled, juicy meat, the kind that makes every bite of Matangi Lamb melt-in-your-mouth.

But genetics are only part of the story. The environment, pasture quality, and finishing process also shape the quality of our final product.

 

Why Chicory?

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a deep-rooted herbaceous plant that thrives in New Zealand’s varied climate. We use it as a finishing crop, meaning it’s the last feed our lambs graze on for at least 35 days before processing.

We choose chicory for several reasons:

• High nutritional value: Rich in energy, protein, and essential minerals
  
  

• Naturally digestible: Supports gut health and reduces digestive stress
  
  

• Parasite resistance: Contains compounds that naturally reduce internal parasites
  
  

• Drought tolerance: Grows well even in tough seasonal conditions
  
  

• Deep roots: Improve soil structure and long-term pasture resilience
  
  

From a farming perspective, chicory plays a vital role in our regenerative system. From a flavour perspective, it makes all the difference.

 

The Flavour and Texture Advantage

Chicory-fed lamb isn't just a farming decision — it’s a taste decision. The consistent nutrition and calm finishing conditions allow our lambs to thrive and develop a premium eating profile.

1. Clean, refined flavour

Chicory reduces the strong, grassy notes sometimes associated with lamb. The result is a cleaner, slightly sweeter flavour that even non-lamb eaters tend to enjoy.

2. Natural tenderness

The low-stress grazing period on chicory allows for even muscle development, helping create naturally tender cuts across the board — from loin chops to slow-cooked shoulders.

3. Healthier fat profile

Lambs finished on chicory show a naturally higher Omega-3 content, alongside improved marbling and juiciness. This not only enhances taste, but also delivers more of the good fats consumers are increasingly looking for.

 

100% Grass-Fed. GMO-Free. Antibiotic-Free.

We believe food should be as natural and traceable as possible. That’s why all Matangi Lamb is:

• Certified 100% grass-fed
  
  

• Free from GMOs
  
  

• Raised without antibiotics
  
  

• Locally bred and raised on our Hawke’s Bay farm
  
  

Our lambs are never shipped off to be finished elsewhere. They’re born, raised, and finished here — under the watchful care of our team and in line with our commitment to animal welfare and environmental care.

You can taste that integrity in every cut.

 

From Pasture to Plate: Matangi Lamb Cuts

Thanks to our breeding and finishing approach, every Matangi lamb offers a range of versatile, flavour-rich cuts. Whether you're planning a Sunday roast or a spring BBQ, you’ll find something that suits your cooking style.

Popular choices include:

• Butterflied lamb leg – ideal for grilling, roasting, or marinating
  
  

• Lamb shanks – rich and gelatinous, perfect for braising
  
  

• Lamb loin chops – tender and quick to cook on the BBQ or stovetop
  
  

• Rack of lamb – elegant and full of flavour, perfect for entertaining
  
  

You can explore our full Matangi Lamb range online — all cuts are vacuum-sealed for freshness and delivered direct from our Hastings Butchery..

 

Part of a Bigger Philosophy

Our use of chicory fits into a much broader vision of farming. It’s not just about what’s best for the animal or the meat — it’s about what’s best for the land, the environment, and our community.

Chicory is just one tool we use to:

• Build healthier soil
  
  

• Improve pasture longevity
  
  

• Reduce reliance on chemicals
  
  

• Support resilient, local food systems
  
  

We believe in farming that respects the balance of nature — and produces food that’s better because of it.

 

Final Thoughts

Chicory-fed lamb is more than a marketing phrase. At Matangi, it represents a deliberate choice — one that combines science, sustainability, and flavour in equal measure.

By finishing our carefully bred lambs on chicory, we’re able to deliver cuts that are not only tender and flavourful, but also raised in a way that honours our land and our values.

Explore our full range of Matangi Lamb to experience the difference for yourself — or learn more about our farming practices and how every product we sell is bred with purpose, grown with patience, and crafted with precision.