In many organisms sex is determined genetically. Often this is accompanied by chromosomal differences between the sexes. Chromosomes, structures made of proteins and coiled DNA, contain all the genetic information of an organism.
What Are Sweetbreads? ccording to the Larousse Gastronomique, sweetbread is the culinary term for the thymus gland (in the throat) and the pancreas (near the stomach) in calves, lambs and pigs. Larousse further states that thymus sweetbreads are elongated and irregular in shape while pancreas sweetbreads are larger and rounded. But sweetbreads are neither sweet, nor are they bread. The word sweetbread was first used in the 16th century, but the reason behind the name is unknown.
The sweetbreads should be soaked for several hours, and the water should be changed out several times. This process is said to make the membrane easier to remove and also drain off any remaining enzymes and blood. Ideally, sweetbreads should be white or slightly pink in color. The older the animal, the redder they will be. Once the sweetbreads have been peeled, deveined and washed, they can be blanched for a short time to reduce later cooking time, or they can be breaded and deep fried immediately. Barbecuing and grilling are also popular ways to prepare them.