An Italian specialty food that is prepared with the same care and diligence as a fine vintage wine is on a mission to strengthen awareness in the US. Prosciutto di Carpegna is the European Union Gem Ham. It’s Consorzio is dedicating the next three years to promoting this delicacy in tastings, food and wine fairs and restaurant and specialty food shows around the country.
Official presentation of the project was unveiled at a gala dinner for journalists and influencers in the wine and specialty food industry. Consorzio di Carpegna Board Member Matthew Guglielmelli and Fratelli Beretta USA inc. Marketing Manager Kimberly Parrales invited opinion leaders to get to know the uniqueness of this traditional Italian delicacy.
Prosciutto di Carpegna is a cured raw ham that has been produced in the Marche region of Central Italy since the Middle Ages. Its production is carefully controlled to comply with strict regulations. Boasting the European Union recognition of PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) its producers guarantee the ham’s high production quality standards.
Prosciutto di Carpegna is a gastronomic masterpiece. Created from hams derived from a special breed of pig known as the Pesante Padano, or ‘heavy pig,’ it hails exclusively from the regions of Lombardia, Emelia-Romagna and Marche.
Carefully selected hams are massaged with a secret blend of sea salt from Cervia, lard and aromatic spices before being dry aged for 20 months in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment.
The unique flavor of Prosciutto di Carpegna is evident from the first bite. It is a cured ham with a panorama of sweet, complex flavors. It’s softness and aromatic fragrance and delicate amber color make it a favorite as a stand-alone delicacy or a versatile companion to a variety of dishes.
Depending on the seasonings, Prosciutto di Carpegna is right at home with appetizers, salads, or main courses. Chefs at the recent Prosciutto Gala Dinner prepared Arancia (tiny Garbanzo bean flour balls) stuffed with Prosciutto di Carpegna and Focaccia made with tomato and Prosciutto di Carpegna.
The first course consisted of Rosette Lettuce with Roasted Maitake Mushrooms and the Prosciutto paired with Cava Bertha Reserva Brut Nature from Penedes Spain.
Halibut with Prosciutto di Carpegna, White Turnip Pimento Oil with Pinot Noir Trousse Chemise Willamette Oregon and Soave Pieropan Classico Veneto Italy was the Main Course and wine pairings.
A delicious Lemon Angel Food Cake with Brown Butter Crumb with Strawberry Ice Cream rounded out the sumptuous experience.
Prosciutto di Carpegna PDO, the European Union Gem Ham is coming to a grocery store, charcuterie or restaurant near you. Visit gemham.eu for more information.