Parma Raw Ham
Parma raw ham is a ham quality produced in Parma area, in Italy. What is the difference among prosciutto and Parma raw ham?
Well, let’s look at it, step by step. Simple raw ham is produced in nearly the whole of Italy (and other countries as well). Producers change its characteristics depending on where it’s produced and the local traditions. The ham producers of Parma decided to form a consortium in 1963, to preserve the characteristics of their product. There were less than 30 producers then and now there are more than 180. To be called Parma Raw Ham, it has to be produced in a determinated area and following a rigid disciplinary. |
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How to make prosciutto? It is quite simple, as raw ham only needs salt, some spices (which choice will depend on traditions os taste) and time.
The producers of Parma Consortium produce in the same way, following the regulation disciplines, and Prosciutto crudo di Parma was recognized in 1996 as a DOP (PDO - Protected Designation of Origin) by the European Union.
What is prosciutto for Italians? It is often part of Italian starters, used in many pasta sauces, used as snack (prosciutto sandwich is a common snack for students of all ages) and it is surely part of typical Italian menu.
There’s another famous raw ham in Italy called prosciutto San Daniele. It comes from a small northeastern city – San Daniele. Neither this one make use of any preservatives, apart from salt.
A little difference could arise from the pigs’ diet, as pigs from the Parma area have some Parmigiano Reggiano whey included in their diet.
Some differences between Italian hams are also due to cultural reasons. For example, Tuscan raw ham is heavily salted. It was necessary because the shepherds were away from home for many days and it had to last for a long time, and was (and still is!) eaten with Tuscan bread, that contains no salt at all!
A prosciutto appetizer can be easily prepared just enwrapping grissini with a slice of prosciutto. A ham sandwich is a good choice for a healthy meal. Click on the products below to find out how to have them delivered home to you.
More about Italian cold cuts...
Learn more about Parma raw ham on the official page of Parma Consortium.
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