Pronunciation: [vˈiːl] (IPA) 
Veal is a food that comes from young calves. The spelling of the word is pronounced as /viːl/. The 'v' is pronounced by putting your top upper teeth against your bottom lip and then breathing out. The 'e' is pronounced as a long vowel sound which makes the 'ee' sound by opening your mouth slightly. The 'a' is pronounced like the sound ‘ay’ in ‘way’. The 'l' is pronounced by putting your tongue against the top of your mouth and breathing out.
Veal is a term that refers to the meat of a young calf, which is typically slaughtered between three and four months of age. The meat is light pink in color, tender, and has a delicate flavor. Veal is considered a gourmet meat and is often enjoyed in fine dining establishments.
The process of rearing veal involves feeding the calf a milk-based diet to maintain its pale color and tender texture. This practice, known as "crating" or "veal-crate farming," has elicited controversy due to concerns over animal welfare. In recent years, there has been a shift towards more humane methods of veal production that provide the calf with more space to move and an enriched environment.
Veal can be prepared using various cooking methods, including grilling, sautéing, or roasting. It is popularly featured in dishes such as veal piccata, veal scallopini, or osso buco. The meat's delicate flavor allows it to easily absorb the flavors of accompanying ingredients and seasonings.
Veal is often compared to beef in terms of taste and texture, but its distinct qualities make it a sought-after choice for those looking for a more delicate and refined meat option. While veal may be more expensive than other meats, its tenderness and subtle flavor make it a prized choice for special occasions or when aiming to prepare an elegant and sophisticated meal.
The flesh of a calf.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "veal" comes from the Old English word "feolu", which eventually evolved to "vele" in Middle English. It further derived from the Old Norse word "fe" or "feðr" meaning "fat cattle". The term "veal" specifically refers to the meat of a calf, generally known for its tender and pale appearance.
