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

The use of nitrates, nitrites, and other preservatives in food products (particularly in charcuterie) is currently at the centre of a heated debate following the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s revelation that they are carcinogenic to humans.Creating a rosy appearance for products that would otherwise be naturally grey in colour, nitrites are thought to lure consumers in with their aesthetics, therefore remaining a popular tool for many food brands despite the overwhelming evidence of their harmful effects.

However, they are simply not necessary in creating a delicious product, and Parma Ham is a perfect example. Parma Ham is 100% natural, made with only two ingredients: pork and sea salt. During the production process, the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma does not allow any colouring agents or preservatives – such as nitrites or nitrates— to be added, unlike many other meat-based products.

Due to Parma Ham's naturalness and its high nutritional value, it is an excellent choice for children, athletes, and the elderly, as well as those who find it difficult to digest proteins.

Here are some of Parma Ham's key nutritional values:

• A distinctive characteristic of Parma Ham is its high protein content. After the protein is broken down by the digestive system into amino acids, they are reassembled 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. One of these, oleic acid (45.8%), is a monounsaturated fat that protects from cardiovascular pathologies.
• Eating Parma Ham helps achieve the recommended daily amounts of group B vitamins and provides a good amount of precious minerals that are highly bioavailable, meaning they are easy for the body to absorb, such as iron.
• Parma Ham proves to be an excellent food that helps to 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.

Parma Ham and Green Beans

Simply boil the green beans in plenty of salted water then wrap them in Parma Ham with some vinaigrette drizzled on top. Perfect for a healthy starter or side dish.

Parma Ham and Cheese

Parma Ham goes very well with many Italian cheeses, in particular Parmigiano Reggiano, Gorgonzola and Mozzarella. Their saltiness perfectly balance each other. Eat them together whilst on a picnic or on a cocktail stick for the perfect natural canapé.

Parma Ham and Fruit

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 recipes and pairings, visit https://www.prosciuttodiparma.com/en/parma-ham-recipes/

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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.com.

CREDIT:

Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma