100% natural, with no nitrites, nitrates or additives, Parma Ham is great for a balanced diet

Nitrites and nitrates are not necessary in creating a delicious product, and Parma Ham is a perfect example. Parma Ham is 100% natural, made only of two ingredients: pork and sea salt. During the production process, the Consortium for Prosciutto di Parma does not allow any colouring agents or preservatives, such as nitrites or nitrates to be added, which is a common practice of other meat based products.

Due to the extreme naturalness of Parma Ham, and its high nutritional value, it is an excellent choice for children, athletes and the elderly, as well as those with problems digesting proteins.

Here are some of the key nutritional values of Parma Ham:

• A distinct characteristic of Parma Ham is its high protein content. After the protein is broken down in the digestive system into amino acids, they are reassembled by the body to form muscles, connective tissues and other essential components such as enzymes and antibodies.
• More than 20% of the total amount of protein in Parma Ham consists of free amino acids, which gives it a very high overall digestibility.
• Parma Ham’s total lipid component is of good quality, thanks to the high content of unsaturated fatty acids (64.9%), the good fats that are good for health, such as oleic acid (45.8%), a monounsaturated fat, that protects from cardiovascular pathologies.
• Eating Parma Ham helps achieve the recommended daily amounts of group B vitamins, and also provides a good amount of precious minerals that are highly bioavailable, meaning they are easy for the body to absorb, such as iron for example.
• Parma Ham proves to be an excellent food that helps combat and inhibit the action of free radicals, the main cause of ageing and degenerative diseases, and to restore the physiological balance of the body, thanks to the presence of natural antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium.

Parma Ham Pairings

In addition to its nutritional qualities, Parma Ham has a full-bodied flavour and silky texture making it the best ingredient to pair with other natural foods. Try these simple pairings for a delicious and healthy option.

Asparagus and Parma Ham

Simply blanch asparagus spears in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes, then briefly plunge into ice cold water. Wrap them in Parma Ham and serve for an easy and nutritious dish.

Parma Ham and Parmesan

Parma Ham goes very well with many Italian cheeses, in particular Parmigiano Reggiano. The umami flavour of Parmesan balances perfectly with the sweet taste of Parma Ham.

Fruit and Parma Ham

Parma Ham deliciously pairs with many fruits, including grapes, apples and melon. These types of fruit bring out the natural sweetness of Parma Ham, created during the long curing process.

For more delicious Parma Ham Pairings, visit www.prosciuttodiparma.com/en_UK/pairingparma.

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About Parma Ham

Parma Ham is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product and is 100% natural. The drying process that Parma Ham goes through creates a ham that is very low in fat content, with many mineral salts, vitamins, antioxidants and easily digestible proteins. This means that Parma Ham is truly a food for everyone.

Prosciutto di Parma is produced in the hills surrounding the Italian town of Parma.

The unique taste of Parma Ham is dependent on the traditional production process passed down from Roman times, carefully controlled by the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma.  Only hams that have passed stringent curing regulations approved by the EU can be awarded the stamp of the Ducal crown – a five pointed coronet logo with PARMA in the centre which is branded onto the ham’s skin. The Ducal Crown is now a certification trademark.

For more information, please visit www.prosciuttodiparma.com.

Editor’s Note:

If you would like to receive more information about Prosciutto di Parma, please contact Georgie Hackett at +44 (0)20 7389 9404 or email g.hackett@brand-dialogue.co.uk

CREDIT:

Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma