Pork is actually a staple foodstuff in the mountain regions of northern Italy, the place it’s frequently reported that a nicely butchered pig should really leave ‘nothing at all although the oink’ powering. For a pig is typically about 30% Unwanted fat, thrifty locals had to think of a way to use and preserve this valuable source of protein, and the result is Lardo.
Lardo di Colonnata, to offer it its full title, is actually a delicacy created from pork Unwanted fat in and throughout the Tuscan mountain town of Colonnata. Fortunately for lovers of cured meat, it’s not simply a frugal way of preserving pork Unwanted fat in excess of Wintertime – it’s mouth watering way too!
It’s produced in big vats often known as conche, fashioned from marble quarried in the nearby ‘white mountain’ of Cararra, that are very first liberally rubbed with garlic. Upcoming, levels of pork Body fat, salt, plus a special mix of herbs and spices are additional right up until the vats are complete. The conche are then sealed which has a picket lid and left in amazing mountain caves for six months or extended to experienced during the cleanse air.
Following the maturation time is over, the conche are opened to reveal a silky-smooth, meltingly tender ‘meat’ that may be eaten in much precisely the same way as Parma Ham or other prosciutto.
While Lardo is frequently utilized to continue to keep roasted meats moist by putting a thin layer above the pores and skin, It is usually mouth watering basically sliced thinly and eaten with bread, olives, and a great excess virgin olive oil as Element of an antipasto system. It truly is not at all tricky or greasy, which is properly value attempting whether or not the concept of taking here in pure Extra fat leaves you somewhat apprehensive!
Regardless of the lengthy years of creating Lardo in the normal way, the majority of the illustrations that you could locate in your neighborhood deli or retail store should have been manufactured in a much more industrial placing, primarily as a result of contemporary hygiene laws having precedence in excess of customs and heritage. Gone would be the marble conche and the mountain air, replaced by stainless steel and air con.
However, guests to the area all around Colonnata should still be Blessed and have keep of Lardo made from the old way that has been demonstrated over the centuries – just don’t explain to the authorities if you are doing!