A process that respects tradition
National ham is made from select Italian meats, processed following the salting and curing procedures handed down by master pork butchers. It all begins with the massaging and salting of the meat, a delicate phase carried out in the factories of the best ham producers in the area, where manual labor still accompanies that of machinery. After this initial process, the ham is left to rest horizontally: the salt gradually absorbs the excess liquid, giving the meat its first, authentic flavor. After the first few days, a second massage is performed, followed by a further period of rest until the meat has absorbed the right amount of salt. Only at this point does the greasing process begin, the final stage before the actual curing process, which can last from 9 to 24 months depending on the size of the ham and the desired firmness. The result is a product of variable weight, normally around 8 kg, the fruit of patience, skill, and respect for traditional timing.
From the last piece, a traditional dish
But what to do with the last piece of this ham, perhaps the one closest to the bone? The answer is a delicious bean soup, a recipe that comes straight from Umbrian peasant tradition and is perfect for cold winter evenings, when you’re looking for a warm, hearty, and flavorful dish. The ingredients are simple and authentic: ham shank, beans, chopped herbs, tomato puree, and a touch of aromatics from sage, chives, lemon zest, and chili pepper. Everything is cooked slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together to create a thick, rich soup, perfect served on toasted bread with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Want to discover all the ingredients in detail and the step-by-step process? Continue reading the full recipe.
Bring authenticity to the table
A recipe like this deserves a ham that lives up to the tradition it represents. Buy our mountain ham now, processed according to ancient pork butchering methods and carefully aged for months, until it achieves the flavor and texture that only time can provide. Serve it in bean soup, or simply sliced: its quality is obvious at first bite.
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