What is veal?

Veal is specifically defined as the meat obtained from young male calves, typically those that are between a few weeks to a few months old. The characteristics of veal include its pale pink color and tender texture, which are a result of the animal's young age and diet, often consisting primarily of milk-based formulas.

This definition aligns with culinary and agricultural standards that distinguish veal from other types of meat. Older cattle produce beef, which is richer in flavor and has a different texture compared to veal. Meat from piglets refers to pork, and milk from dairy cows does not fall under the meat category at all. Understanding these distinctions helps in culinary contexts and meat production discussions.