Vallée d'Aoste Lard d'Arnad facts for kids
Vallée d’Aoste Lard d’Arnad is a special type of cured pork fat. It's called lardo in Italian. This unique food comes only from the town of Arnad in the Aosta Valley region of Italy.
In 1996, it received a special award called PDO status from the European Union. This means its quality and origin are protected. A group called Comité pour la valorisation des produits typiques d'Arnad - Lo Doil helps share this amazing product.
What is Lard d'Arnad?
Lard d'Arnad is one of many traditional foods from the Aosta Valley. It is made from pieces of pork fatback. This fat is cured, which means it's preserved in a special way.
The curing process uses a salty liquid called a brine. This brine is made flavorful with different herbs and spices. Some of these include juniper, bay, nutmeg, sage, and rosemary.
How is it made?
The curing happens in special wooden tubs called doïls. These tubs are very important for making Lard d'Arnad. They can be made from chestnut, oak, or larch wood.
These doïls are used only for making this specific lard. We know Lard d'Arnad has been made for a very long time. An old record from Arnad Castle in 1763 mentions four doïls in its kitchens.
How to enjoy Lard d'Arnad
People often eat Lard d'Arnad with black bread and honey. It's a delicious way to enjoy this traditional Italian food.
The Lard Festival
Every year, there is a special festival called Féhta dou lar. This name means "Lard Festival" in the local Arnad Francoprovençal patois. It is a type of Sagra, which is a local festival in Italy.
The festival takes place on the last Sunday of August. It has become a very popular event. Many tourists visit Arnad to enjoy the festival and learn about this unique product.
