Pancetta Tesa Affumicata is one of the most characteristic Italian smoked cured meats, prepared from carefully selected pork belly. Unlike the rolled Pancetta variety, Pancetta Tesa retains its natural flat shape (Tesa), allowing the layers of fat and lean meat to alternate evenly. The meat is seasoned with salt and herbal spices according to a traditional recipe, then undergoes a natural smoking process using aromatic wood to create a delicate scent that blends perfectly with the original sweetness of the meat.

The result is a cured meat block with a firm texture, smooth translucent white fat layers interspersed with dark red lean meat strips. When thinly sliced, the product delivers a rich, savory flavor and a characteristic smoky aroma. This is a high-end ingredient indispensable in professional kitchens, helping to elevate the flavor of classic pasta dishes or serving as a luxurious highlight for cold cut platters.

Ingredients and Characteristics:

Ingredients: Pork belly, salt, dextrose, spices.
Flavor: Rich, savory combined with a natural aromatic smoke scent and a characteristic cured meat aftertaste.
Texture: Firm, well-bonded meat fibers, extremely ideal for thin slicing by machine or manual cutting.
Color: Vibrant dark red meat strips alternating with bright white fat veins.
Origin: Italy.

How to Enjoy Pancetta Tesa Affumicata:

In Pasta Dishes: Dice and sauté until the fat melts and the meat reaches a crispy texture to make authentic Italian Carbonara or Amatriciana.
In Appetizer Platters: Slice very thinly and serve with cheese, olives, gherkins, and toasted bread.
Wrapped Dishes: Use thin slices to wrap around asparagus, shrimp, or vegetables then grill to enhance richness and smoky aroma.
In Sauces: Use the fat from Pancetta to start stews or soups, providing a depth of flavor that ordinary cooking oils cannot achieve.

Storage Instructions:

Unopened: Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 0-4°C.
Opened: Wrap tightly with parchment paper or plastic wrap and consume within two weeks to maintain the best flavor.
Expiry date: Check the expiration date on the packaging, usually lasting several months for cured products.