Each Italian province prefers different types of meat, but cuttings from the neck and shoulder of a pig are popular in all regions. Of them make a traditional product - Coppa (Coppa). The bright red color and marble-white veins on the cut create a truly bewitching spectacle. Spices for it vary depending on the place of production. For example, in Piacenza, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves predominate, in Parma the meat is more salted, and in Chile (Calabria) hot chili peppers are welcomed. Interestingly, the many faces of Koppa are not only in taste. Our article will help you to reveal all the secrets of Italian delicacy and find out the recipe for its preparation.
What is Koppa
Coppa - a traditional Italian product made from meat from the neck and shoulder (up to the 4th or 5th rib) of a pig. It is cooked whole, not crushed, placed in a natural shell. It looks like prosciutto, but their production has some differences.
The origin of koppa is not fully defined. Although the first documentary evidence dates back to the XVII-XVIII centuries, but historians suggest that the preparation of the product goes in parallel with the breeding of pigs in Italy.
It is noteworthy that not only the taste, but also the name of the delicacy changes from region to region. In most of the republic, it is called coppa or capocollo. The last name is the sum of the words "capo" (head) and "collo" (neck).
Regional names sound different. So, in Campania (Campania) - this is capicollo, in Tuscany (Toscana) - finocchiata, in Lazio (Lazio) - lonza, in Marche (Marche) and Abruzzo - lonzino.
Production
At the first stage of production, the copps select and prepare the meat. It is cut, freed from bones and carefully separated from surface fat, the final thickness of which for certain species should not exceed 3-4 mm.
Next are seasonings and the ambassador. Some types of products are first rubbed with spices (garlic, various herbs, spices, red or white wine). Their choice depends on the region of production. Then the meat is salted, carefully grinding, as if massaging. After 4-8 days, the product is washed from salt, placed in a natural shell, tied with twine and sent for ripening, the term of which is regulated for each variety.
Varieties
Koppa is appreciated for its delicate aroma and delicate, slightly oily texture. The taste of the product varies depending on the variety, of which there are quite a lot. Despite the great diversity, only 3 species of coppa have the category DOP and 1 - IGP. But, it is worth noting that immediately 10 varieties are classified as "Food products of traditional Italian cuisine." It:
- capocollo and capocollo di Martina Franca from Puglia (Puglia);
- capocollo from Basilicata, Campania, Molise and Umbria;
- lonza from Lazio;
- coppa Maccarana from Lombardy (Lombardia);
- capocollo tipico senese from Tuscany;
- coppa, lonza, lonzino from Marche and Abruzzo.
Of course, products with a quality category are considered the best on the market for meat products. In the Kopp family, these are: Capoclo di Calabria DOP (Capocollo di Calabria), Coppa Piacentina DOP (Coppa Piacentina), Coppa di Parma IGP (Coppa di Parma).
Coppa di parma igp
Coppa di Parma is a meat product typical of some areas of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. The weight of fresh, unprocessed tenderloin for the preparation of this variety is 2.7-3 kg. The ambassador is produced by the dry method (meat is sprinkled with salt and rubbed thoroughly). Some manufacturers use pepper, as well as other spices and wine. Next, the future koppa is placed in a natural shell (cattle intestines) and sent to mature for a period of at least 60 days.
The weight of the finished product is regulated from 1.3 kg, length from 25 to 50 cm. The taste is bright meat, due to the absence of a large number of spices does not have any impurities. The aroma is pleasant, delicate. The texture is medium-dry, without gloss on the surface of the cut. The color is dark red with rainbow streaks of fat.
Coppu di Parma is eaten as an appetizer on its own or as part of a meat plate. Perfect for making sandwiches and pizza. It goes well with fresh vegetables and herbs (arugula, spinach). Of the cheeses, the most suitable option would be Gorgonzolla or any other blue cheese. In Italy, coppa accompanies first courses (various soups) based on legumes. Of alcoholic beverages, it is better to stop the choice with white wine such as Malvasia DOC or fragrant, slightly sweet red (Bonarda DOC).
Capocollo di Calabria DOP
Capocollo di Calabria is a meat product, all stages of production of which, starting from raising pigs, take place in the territory of Calabria. The initial weight of the product is in the range from 3.5 to 4.5 kg. Coppa salting lasts from 4 to 8 days, after which it is seasoned with black pepper, placed in a shell of pork diaphragm and tied with twine. Maturation occurs in the natural environment in rooms with temperature and humidity control for at least 100 days.
The finished capocollo has a cylindrical shape with rounded bases and a pink-red surface. The cut color is pink with marble streaks of fat. The taste is spicy but delicate. The aroma of medium intensity.
A delicacy from Calabria goes well with many products. It is used as a snack, as a component of sandwiches. Perfectly emphasizes the taste of Cachocavallo and Canestrato cheeses. Risotto and meat pies are cooked with it. Unsurpassed accompaniment with rich red wine like Primitivo di Manduria DOC.
Coppa piacentina dop
Coppa Piacentina is a species typical of the province of Piacenza. Pork for its production comes not only from Emilia-Romagna, but also from Lombardy, although processing should occur exclusively on the territory of origin. The meat from the neck is cut at the height of the 4th rib. The weight of the semi-finished product is at least 2.5 kg. To salt it, both salt and spices are used: pepper, cloves, bay leaf, nutmeg, sugar and cinnamon. One week after the first operation, the product should be washed and wrapped in a diaphragm. Exposure lasts at least 180 days, the first 7 of which coppa spends in a dry, warm room, and the rest - at a temperature of 10-14 degrees.
The product on sale has a cylindrical shape, pointed at the ends. Weight not less than 1.5 kg. The texture is compact, not elastic. The color of the cut is red with pink-white splashes of fat. The aroma is sweet, the taste is delicate.
Coppa Piacentina is eaten not only on its own, but also in combination with various foods. It is used as a snack, added to salads, combined with fruits, grilled vegetables and soft cheeses. The best accompaniment to it is considered to be Bonarda dei Colli Piacentini DOC wine.
Homemade recipe
In order to cook koppa at home, you need very little time and effort for manipulation and about a month of waiting.
Ingredients Required:
- Tenderloin from the neck or shoulder of a pig - 2 kg;
- Coarse salt - 3 kg;
- Ground black pepper - 200 g;
- Spices to taste (thyme, marjoram, rosemary, garlic, etc.
Dishes and other necessary assistants:
- Bowl with a volume of 4-6 liters;
- A small container whose diameter is slightly smaller than the bottom of the bowl;
- Parchment paper;
- Confectionery packaging paper;
- Twine made of natural materials.
So, at the first stage, mix the salt with the selected spices (except ground black pepper). At the bottom of the bowl we put an inverted small container. It will prevent contact between the meat and the draining liquid. Lay the pork and sprinkle with spicy salt. Please note that the meat must be completely covered (top and sides).
Leave the workpiece in a cool, dry place for a week. During this time, the pork will salt, lose the necessary part of the liquid and slightly harden.
To give the traditional rounded shape to the future coppa, we turn it by 45 degrees, sprinkle with salt and again wait 2 days.
We remove all the salt from the meat, rinse thoroughly under running water (at the end you can wipe it with vinegar). Dry the semi-finished product at room temperature for about an hour and put on parchment paper. Sprinkle it thoroughly with black pepper, while massaging it for the best penetration of spices into muscle fibers. We wrap the product first with parchment, then wrapping confectionery paper and twine.
Hang in a dry, ventilated area for 15 days. If during this time the paper gets wet, then it is necessary to change it and allow the product to ripen for another week.
Ready koppa can be stored for several weeks in the refrigerator, wrapping paper. It is worth noting that the more time the product remains undone, the more it hardens, acquiring the qualities of a seasoned meat product.
Calorie content and benefits
The calorie content of coppa is quite high - 450 kcal per 100 g. The nutritional value of the product consists of:
- Proteins - 20.8 g;
- Fats - 40.2 g;
- Carbohydrates - 1.4 g.
Despite the abundance of fats, you can highlight the beneficial properties of the delicacy:
- An excellent source of protein - the main building material of the human body.
- A storehouse of essential trace elements: iron (12.5% of the daily norm) - participates in the saturation of cells with oxygen and metabolism; calcium (2.5% DN) - forms bone tissue, plays an important role in muscle contraction; phosphorus (37.57% of DN) - the basic element of teeth and bones, is involved in metabolic processes.
- It is rich in vitamins: thiamine (58.33% of DN) - normalizes the nervous system and slows down the aging of cells; riboflavin (15.38% of DN) - is involved in blood formation processes, supports healthy skin condition; Niacin (37.5% DN) - prevents cardiovascular pathologies and catalyzes the synthesis of important hormones.
Looking at the useful properties of koppa, do not forget about the possible harm. A large amount of cholesterol and saturated fatty acids make it a product banned for people suffering from hypercholesterolemia and who are overweight.
Caution to the delicacy should be treated for people with high blood pressure, since a large amount of salt is used in its manufacture.
Kopp should be consumed in moderation. To burn extra calories after 50 g of product just ride a bicycle for 25 minutes or be distracted by an hour and a half cleaning in the apartment.
Price
On the Italian shelves there is a large assortment of copps. The price for 500 g of the product varies from 8 to 15 Euro, depending on the manufacturer. For example, Capokollo di Calabria DOP costs about 14 Euros.
Coppa, prepared in Italy, in Russian markets will cost you at a price of 2000 rubles per 1 kg of product.
So, easily and with a lot of information, we came to the end of our article. Perhaps it's time to go to Italy for amazing memories. Do not be afraid to enjoy the "temperamental" delicacies, because the calories gained will quickly evaporate after walking through the sights.
