Salame Felino facts for kids
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| Type | Salame |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Emilia-Romagna |
| Main ingredients | Pork |
| Ingredients generally used | Salt, whole-grain pepper |
Salame Felino is a special type of salami from Italy. It gets its name from the town of Felino in the province of Parma. This tasty sausage is made in Felino and nearby towns like Sala Baganza and Langhirano. It has a special European award called "Protected Geographical Indication". This means only salami made in this specific area, following strict rules, can be called Salame Felino. It helps protect its unique quality!
Contents
How Salame Felino is Made
Making Salame Felino is a careful process. It starts with pure pork meat.
The Meat Mixture
The meat used is mostly from the pig's shoulder. It's about 70% lean meat and 30% special fatty parts. This mix is then ground up. It becomes a medium-coarse mix, meaning it's not too fine and not too chunky.
Adding Flavors
After grinding, salt and whole-grain pepper are added. Sometimes, a tiny bit of potassium nitrate is used. Sugars and other helpful ingredients might also be added. Crushed garlic and more pepper are mixed in. These are often dissolved in dry white wine.
Stuffing and Curing
The flavored meat mix is then put into a natural pork casing. This casing is called the "gentle intestine." It's smooth and thick, which helps keep the salami soft inside. The salami then needs to cure, or age, for at least 60 days. The special weather in the Parma area helps it cure perfectly. Today, many makers use special rooms with controlled temperatures for this step.
What Salame Felino Looks Like and Tastes Like
Salame Felino has some special features that make it unique.
Appearance
When you slice Salame Felino, you'll see an intense red color. The ground fat looks white against the red meat. How firm the salami is depends on how long it cured and the quality of the meat.
Smell and Taste
The smell of Salame Felino is strong and very unique. It has a special aroma that's easy to recognize. The taste, however, is delicate and not too strong.
How to Enjoy Salame Felino
Salame Felino is a popular appetizer in the Parma area.
Serving Suggestions
It's often eaten with Parma ham, which is also made in the same region. People usually pair it with a glass of Lambrusco wine.
How to Slice It
Traditionally, Salame Felino is cut diagonally. This makes oval-shaped slices. These slices are usually about twice as long as the salami's width. For the best taste, the slices should be very thin. They should be about as thick as a peppercorn.
