Mortadella di Campotosto (popularly called mule balls) is a salami produced in limited quantities in the territory of the municipality of Campotosto, in the province of Abruzzo.[1][2][3] Mortadella di Campotosto it is listed as a traditional Italian food product (PAT) by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies.[4]
History
For a period of time the city of Amatrice had appropriated the paternity of the salami, following the dominion it had over the areas of Campotosto and neighboring villages in the medieval period. The tradition of mortadella di Campotosto is very ancient and is believed to be more than 500 years old as we know it today, though only a few Campotostari continue the tradition of mortadella, and only a few palates have the opportunity to taste it today, due to the rarity of the product.
It is included in the Slow Food movement Ark of Taste, an international catalogue of endangered heritage foods.[5]
Description
Mortadella di Campotosto is made only of pork, which swineherds and various farmers raised in the territory of the Monti della Laga. It has an ovoid shape (and a weight traditionally identified as 330 gr.). It has a fine grain and, inside, it has a lard core along its entire length that characterizes the product compared to other cured meats. When cut, the section has a pink color, while the central core of lard has a white color.
See also
References
- ↑ "Mortadella di Campotosto". Wine and Travel Italy.
- ↑ "Campotosto Mortadella - Presìdi Slow Food".
- ↑ "Mortadella di Campotosto | Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga". www.gransassolagapark.it.
- ↑ Mipaaf. List of traditional food products.
- ↑ "Campotosto Mortadella - Presìdi Slow Food".