Anyone who has ever been to Italy or has had antipasti in an Italian restaurant knows this delicious piece of meat. Prosciutto (crudo) is a world-famous ham and very versatile in taste. That said, how is prosciutto made? And is this meat halal? In this blog we answer all your questions.
This is what prosciutto is made of
The word prosciutto means “ham” and crudo means “raw.” This means that the pork ham has been cured and dried. These hams are left to air dry and are made in different regions. This makes each ham unique.
The breed of pig, the feed given to the pigs, the climate of the region and the geographical location determine the taste of the ham. The most famous is Prosciutto di Parma. This is a DOP product, which means that the ham is produced and processed in one specific geographical location where its unique characteristics and production are guaranteed. Outside this region, the ham cannot and should not have the same appellation.
Here’s how prosciutto is made
Four ingredients are required to make prosciutto. These are pork, salt, air and time.
Each ham is first dried and then rubbed with salt. Then they air dry the hams and allow this product to mature for an extended period of time. On average, a prosciutto ages about 10 to 15 months, depending on the variety and size. Drying the hams allows them to keep for a long time even at room temperature.
The most famous prosciutto
Italy’s most famous hams are the Prosciutto di Parma and Prosciutto di San Daniele. Although both hams are very similar, there are distinctive differences.
Prosciutto di San Daniele is lighter in color. In addition, this Italian ham is softer in flavor. The cool air from the north and the warm air from the Adriatic Sea contribute to the refined taste of this ham from the village of San Daniele.
Prosciutto die Parma has a slightly nutty flavor. The ham owes its taste and texture to the quality of the pigs and their diet. In fact, the pigs are fed a special diet in which Parmigiano Reggiano whey is added to the pig’s feed. This is what gives the ham its typical taste.
This is what halal means
Halal stands for everything that can be considered good and pure by the Koran. Thus, all food from the sea, vegetables, fruits and all beverages (except alcohol) are halal suitable for Muslims.
Meat from animals that is slaughtered according to Islamic laws is also referred to as halal. To get the halal seal of approval, the animal must die by a cut in the neck with a sharp knife. Halal meat is bled-out meat, which are usually slaughtered without anesthesia at the invocation of Allah and blessing by the Imam. This method of slaughter is not permitted for every animal. For example, pigs, frogs, predators and rats may not be slaughtered this way.
Prosciutto and halal
Prosciutto is a cured ham that has been air-dried for a long time. The ham comes from a pig’s leg and can therefore not carry the halal label. Therefore, a prosciutto can never be halal.
You can use prosciutto in your dishes in many ways. For example, the meat is delicious as part of a charcuterie board. Serve the cured ham with truffle oil or fresh figs. Use the ham in fresh pasta or wrap vegetables or meat in this Italian delicacy.
At Squiby Foods, we supply both Prosciutto di Parma and Prosciutto San Daniele.
Want to know more about this beautiful product or are you curious about the prosciutto in our assortment? Contact Robert Lesmeister here. He will be happy to tell you all about this delicious product.
