Description
Prosciutto Cotto Whole Gran Riserva: The Premium Excellence of Italian Charcuterie
Prosciutto Cotto Intero Gran Riserva represents the pinnacle of quality in Italian cured meat production, an elite product that combines traditional craftsmanship and technological innovation. Made exclusively from carefully selected domestic pork legs and enriched with fine natural spices, this gastronomic masterpiece conquers the most demanding palates with its sweet and delicately spiced flavor.
Distinctive Characteristics of Gran Riserva Whole Cooked Ham
Our Gran Riserva Whole Cooked Ham is distinguished by:
- Raw material of excellence: exclusively 100% Italian pig thighs
- High Quality category: moisture ≤ 76.5% according to Italian standard
- Italian boning: deboning the bone to limit meat stress
- Fine spices: bay leaves, mace, cinnamon and selected natural flavorings
- Slow cooking: steaming to preserve softness and flavor
- Absence of stem and bottom: guarantee of high yield and superior quality
- Gluten-free: also suitable for those with celiac disease
Source: Fratelli Beretta – Gran Riserva
Regulatory Classification: High Quality Cooked Ham
Prosciutto Cotto Whole Gran Riserva belongs to the “High Quality” category according to Italian regulations, which stipulate three levels of quality:
🏆 High Quality Cooked Ham (Grand Reserve)
- Humidity: ≤ 76.5% (the lowest allowed)
- Identifiable muscles: at least 3 of the 4 major muscle bundles
- Additives: polyphosphates and soy protein banned
- Characteristics: highest concentration of lean meat, superior flavor
🥈 Selected Cooked Ham
- Humidity: ≤ 79.5%
- Additives: permitted controlled polyphosphates
- Quality: intermediate between traditional and high quality
🥉 Traditional Cooked Ham
- Humidity: ≤ 82%.
- Features: basic standards for the category
Detailed information from Menatti – Differences Cooked Ham
Product Technical Specification
| Feature | Grand Reserve | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Average weight | 8.4 kg | Family/professional size |
| EAN code | 2018120000000 | Guaranteed traceability |
| Humidity UPSD | ≤ 76,5% | Maximum meat concentration |
| Meat origin | 100% Italian | Controlled and certified supply chain |
| Boning | Italian style | Minimal stress on meat |
| Gluten | Absent | Suitable for celiacs |
Nutritional Values per 100g
| Component | Value | % of Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 485 kJ (116 kcal) | 6% |
| Protein | 20,5g | 41% |
| Total fat | 3,5g | 5% |
| – of which saturated | 1,3g | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 1,2g | <1% |
| – of which sugars | 0,8g | <1% |
| Salt | 2,1g | 35% |
| Sodium | 840mg | – |
Nutrition Data from OpenFoodFacts
Artisanal Production Process
1. 🐷 Selection of Thighs.
- Origin: Italian pigs of the best breeds
- Weight: 12-15 kg thighs to ensure superior quality
- Controls: verification of pH, marbling and organoleptic characteristics
- Criteria: no stem and bottom for maximum yield
2. 🧂 Preparation of Spiced Brine.
- Basic ingredients: water, Italian sea salt
- Noble spices: bay leaves, mace, cinnamon selected
- Natural flavors: exclusive blend for distinctive Gran Riserva flavor
- Quality control: precise dosing for perfect balance
3. 💉 Injection and churning.
- Syringing: controlled injection of the spiced brine
- Prolonged massage: even distribution in the over 18 hours
- Rest: balancing time for optimal absorption
- Italian boning: gentle deboning of the bone
4. 🏭 Printing and Forming
- Professional molds: for perfect, even shape
- Controlled pressing: elimination of air bubbles
- Weight control: verification of optimal yield
- Cooking preparation: pre-baking conditioning
5. 🔥 Slow Steam Cooking.
- Duration: 16-18 hours of controlled baking
- Temperature: gradual and steady to preserve softness
- Saturated steam: maintenance of natural moisture
- Controls: continuous monitoring of temperature and humidity
6. ❄️ Cooling and Packaging
- Rapid cooling: blocking of firing processes
- Quality control: final organoleptic verification
- Packaging: vacuum-packed for guaranteed freshness
- Labeling: full product traceability
Production process according to Gambero Rosso – Artisan Cooked Ham
The Grand Reserve Spices: The Secret of Unique Flavor
🌿 Exclusive Aromatic Blend
Laurel (Laurus nobilis):
- Origin: selected leaves from the Mediterranean bush
- Characteristics: balsamic and slightly spicy notes
- Function: gives character and personality to the flavor
Mace (Myristica fragrans):
- Origin: nutmeg seed shell
- Profile: sweet, warm, delicately spiced
- Contribution: elegance and aromatic refinement
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum):
- Variety: Ceylon cinnamon, the most valuable
- Notes: sweet, warm, enveloping
- Effect: roundness and lingering sweetness
Other Natural Flavors:
- White pepper: for a touch of liveliness
- Coriander: for fresh, citrus notes
- Cloves: for aromatic depth
Spice information from Beretta Brothers – Manufacturing Process
Nutritional Benefits of Gran Riserva Cooked Ham
💪 High Quality Protein
- Content: 20.5g per 100g of product
- Biological value: complete with essential amino acids
- Digestibility: high due to steaming
- Usage: ideal for athletes and muscle growth
🧬 Optimized Lipid Profile
- Total fat: only 3.5g per 100g
- Limited saturates: 1.3g, well below recommended thresholds
- Cholesterol: reduced content compared to average
- Digestibility: easily metabolized fats
⚡ Minerals and Vitamins
- B vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B6, B12
- Iron: important for the prevention of anemia
- Phosphorus: for healthy bones and teeth
- Potassium: for water-salt balance
🍽️ Dietary Benefits
- Low calorie content: 116 kcal per 100g
- Minimum carbohydrates: 1.2g, suitable for low-carb diets
- Gluten-free: safe for celiacs
- High satiety: protein that prolongs the sense of satiety
Visual Appearance and Organoleptic Characteristics
👁️ Visual Characteristics
- Color: uniform pink with pinkish hues
- Texture: firm but soft to the cut
- Muscle bands: clearly identifiable (minimum 3 out of 4)
- Fat: thin white vein well distributed
- Surface: smooth, without imperfections
👃 Aromatic Profile
- First impression: sweet and inviting
- Base notes: balanced Mediterranean spices
- Persistence: aromas that develop gradually
- Balance: no predominant spice
👅 Flavor to the Palate
- Entrance: sweet and delicate
- Development: complexity of natural spices
- Texture: melting and juicy
- Final: persistent and pleasant
Sensory analysis according to ALDI standards – Gourmet Cooked Ham
Methods of Storage and Consumption
🏠 Home Storage
Vacuum Packed Whole Ham:
- Temperature: refrigerator 0-4°C
- Location: middle shelf of the refrigerator
- Durability: up to 60 days from production
- Checks: check the integrity of the package
After the Opening:
- Protection: wrap the cut surface with foil
- Consumption: within 15 days for optimal quality
- Cutting: always remove a thin surface layer
Slices Prepared:
- Packaging: food grade paper or vacuum packed
- Shelf life: 3-5 days in the refrigerator
- Temperature: consume at room temperature to enhance the flavor
🔪 Professional Cutting Techniques
Preparation:
- Temperature: leave the ham at room temperature 30 minutes
- Cleaning: remove any protective film
- Placement: securely fasten in the ham holder
Optimal Cut:
- Thickness: 2-3mm for flavor-consistency balance
- Direction: perpendicular to the muscle fibers
- Length: whole slices to appreciate all muscle groups
- Tools: well-sharpened knife or professional slicer
Gourmet Food Pairings
🍷 Wine pairings.
White wines:
- Soave Classico DOC: freshness that balances savoriness
- Vermentino di Sardegna: minerality and persistence
- Falanghina del Sannio: complementary floral aromas
Light Red Wines:
- Chianti Classico Giovane: soft tannins and fruity
- Barbera d’Alba: acidity that cleanses the palate
- Sangiovese di Romagna: balance and territory
Bubbles:
- Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOCG: elegance and cleanliness
- Franciacorta Brut: complexity and structure
- Trento DOC: mountains and tradition
🧀 Pairings with Cheeses
Fresh Cheeses:
- Mozzarella di Bufala DOP: creaminess and sweetness
- Gorgonzola Stracchino cheese: contrasting softness
- Robiola di Roccaverano PDO: balancing acidity
Aged Cheeses:
- Grana Padano 18 months: complementary flavor.
- Sweet Tuscan Pecorino: character without aggressiveness
- Sweet Provolone Valpadana cheese: tradition and territory
🥖 Pairings with Breads and Buns.
Traditional Breads:
- Altamura PDO bread: crispy crust and soft crumbs
- Michetta lombarda: lightness and versatility
- Apulian bread: structure that sustains flavor
Gourmet Flatbreads:
- Ligurian focaccia with oil: Mediterranean simplicity
- Olive focaccia: complementary savoriness
- Rosemary focaccia: aromas that go together
🍯 Sweet pairings
Delicate Honeys:
- Acacia honey: neutral and clean sweetness
- Lime tree honey: floral and elegant
- Spring wildflower honey: delicate complexity
Premium Jams:
- Mostarda di Cremona: a Lombard tradition
- Fig jam: Mediterranean sweetness
- Champagne jelly: French sophistication
Culinary Uses of Gran Riserva Cooked Ham
🍽️ Direct Consumption
Gourmet Appetizers:
- Charcuterie board: star of tastings
- Italian-style appetizer: with grilled vegetables
- Elegant aperitif: with bubbles and appetizers
Cold Dishes:
- Seasonal salad: with arugula and grana cheese
- Vegetable carpaccio: with zucchini and lemon
- Savory millefeuille: with vegetables and cheese
👨🍳 Hot preparations
First Courses:
- Cooked ham risotto: creamy and delicate
- White carbonara pasta: no eggs, just taste
- Butter and sage gnocchi: with diced Gran Riserva
Main Courses:
- Saltimbocca alla romana: gourmet version
- Veal rolls: fine fillings
- Premium cordon bleu: with noble cheeses
Side dishes and Accompaniments:
- Vegetables au gratin: enriched with diced
- Potato soufflé: with ham incorporated
- Italian quiche lorraine: tradition revisited
Certifications and Quality Controls
🏅 Standards of Excellence
Corporate Certifications:
- ISO 22000: food safety management
- BRC Food: British retail standard
- IFS Food: international food standard
- HACCP: hazard analysis and critical point control
Raw Material Controls:
- Traced supply chain: from pig to finished product
- Veterinary checks: on all animals
- Chemical analysis: pH, moisture, composition
- Organoleptic testing: from specialized panel tests
Process Controls:
- Temperature: continuous monitoring at all stages
- Timing: strict adherence to protocols
- Hygiene: controlled and sanitized environments
- Personnel: continuing and refresher training
Controls Finished Product:
- Microbiological testing: guaranteed food safety
- Chemical verifications: compliance with legal parameters
- Sensory testing: certified organoleptic quality
- Nutritional controls: verification of declared values
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
🌱 Environmental Commitment
Sustainable Supply Chain:
- Certified herds: animal welfare guaranteed
- Controlled feeds: no GMOs, full traceability
- Renewable energy: eco-friendly factories
- Waste reduction: applied circular economy
Packaging Responsible:
- Recyclable materials: environmentally sustainable packaging
- Plastic reduction: biodegradable alternatives
- Eco-labels: transparent information
- Optimized logistics: reducing transportation impact
👥 Social Responsibility
Territory and Community:
- Local employment: enhancing territorial skills
- Training: programs for young people in the industry
- Traditions: preserving craft knowledge
- Innovation: responsible research and development
Why Choose Gran Riserva Whole Cooked Ham
✅ Quality excellence: “High Quality” category with moisture ≤ 76.5%.
✅ Premium raw material: exclusively selected Italian pigs
✅ Noble spices: bay leaves, mace, cinnamon in exclusive blend
✅ Artisanal process: slow steaming for 16-18 hours
✅ No additives: no polyphosphates, no soy protein
✅ Gluten-free: suitable for those with celiac disease and intolerance
✅ Italian boning: traditional technique for unstressed meats.
✅ High yield: no stem and bottom
✅ Culinary versatility: perfect raw and in cooked preparations
✅ Nutritional values: rich in protein, low in fat
✅ Sustainability: controlled and responsible supply chain.
✅ Traceability: from pig birth to finished product.





















