Parmesan cheese is a well-known Italian cheese, but have you heard of Parma ham? This dry-cured ham comes from the same region in Italy, Parma, and is known for its delicate flavor and tender texture. The spelling of the word "Parma" is pronounced /ˈpɑːmə/ in IPA phonetic transcription as "pah-muh." It is important to note that the "r" in Parma is an alveolar trill, made by vibrating the tongue against the alveolar ridge behind the upper teeth.
Parma ham, also known as Prosciutto di Parma, is a type of Italian cured ham that derives its name from the city of Parma in the Emilia-Romagna region. It is a highly esteemed and renowned delicacy that has been produced for centuries in this area, using traditional methods and techniques.
Parma ham is made exclusively from the meat of specially bred pigs, typically the Italian Large White, which are carefully reared and fed a specific diet to ensure the desired flavor and texture. The process begins by rubbing the pork legs with a mixture of salt to extract moisture and preserve the meat. The legs are then left to rest for a period, allowing the salt to penetrate and favor the curing process.
After this initial phase, the legs are washed and dried before being hung to cure in well-ventilated rooms. The ham is aged for a minimum of 12 months, but often much longer, during which time it develops a unique, delicate flavor with subtle hints of sweetness. The resulting product is a tender, thinly sliced, pinkish ham with a distinct marbling of fat that adds to its flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Parma ham is highly regarded for its natural and genuine production methods, which strictly adhere to regulations established by the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma to protect and preserve the authenticity of this Italian delicacy. It is commonly enjoyed as part of antipasti or wrapped around fruits such as melon, but is also used in various dishes to add a touch of luxury and flavor.
The word "parma ham" is derived from "prosciutto di Parma", which is the original Italian term for the ham. "Prosciutto" means "ham" in Italian, and "di Parma" indicates that it is produced in Parma, a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. "Parmesan" cheese, which is also famously produced in Parma, shares a similar etymology, indicating its connection to the region.