The terms "veal" and "beef" can be confusing, but they refer to meat from cattle of different ages. Here are some of the main differences between veal and beef:
Age of cattle
Beef comes from young bulls or heifers that are up to 1 year old. Beef, on the other hand, comes from older cattle that are more than 24 months old.
Difference in meat texture - such as softness and tenderness
Veal is usually softer and more tender than beef because young animals have less muscle structure and less sinew. Beef , on the other hand, can be redder and firmer due to the greater amount of muscle tissue and sinew that develops as the animal ages.
Different taste and aroma
Veal usually has a more tender and sweet flavor, while beef can have a more intense and rich flavor due to the higher amount of fat and collagen.
Price of veal and beef
Veal is generally more expensive than beef because beef production requires more time and resources until the animal reaches the optimal age for slaughter.
A different approach to cooking veal and beef
Because of its more tender texture, beef is usually cooked faster and at lower temperatures to preserve its tenderness and juiciness. Beef, on the other hand, is often used for longer and more intense cooking methods, such as roasting or braising, to bring out its full flavor and aroma.
These are the general differences between veal and beef, and the taste and texture characteristics can vary depending on the specific type of meat and the method of preparation.