Umbria's Culinary Gems: Charcuterie, Cheese, and Truffles

Welcome to Umbrieria's blog, where the rich flavors of Umbria come alive! Our journey into the heart of Italian gastronomy begins in Umbria, a region celebrated for its traditional artisanal foods that embody the essence of Italian culinary heritage. Umbria, often referred to as Italy's green heart, offers a feast of flavors deeply rooted in age-old traditions, particularly evident in its Norcineria.

The Tradition of Norcineria

Norcineria, the ancient craft of butchering and meat preservation, is a cornerstone of Umbrian cuisine. This tradition showcases an array of exceptional charcuteries, each bearing the hallmark of meticulous artisanal craftsmanship. Among these, Lombetto stands out for its refined taste and texture. Prized even more highly than capocollo, Lombetto is crafted from the choicest loin cuts, distinguished by their lean quality and the deep, rich color that develops with curing. A unique preservation method involves slicing the meat thinly and layering it in glass jars with extra virgin olive oil, juniper berries, and bay leaves, ensuring the meat remains tender for weeks.

Salame di Cinghiale, a wild boar salami, encapsulates the wild spirit of Umbria. This salami melds the robust flavors of wild boar with the succulence of pork, creating a bold, enveloping taste enhanced by pepper, garlic, and carefully selected spices. Its production is a testament to the passion and skill of Umbrian artisans, following age-old techniques for a product that delights the palate with its refined textures and flavors.

Spalletta, a seasoned pork shoulder, represents another facet of Umbria's rich culinary heritage. Cured with salt, pepper, garlic, and wine, and aged for 14-16 months, this delicacy offers an intense, yet balanced flavor profile, with a dry, red-hued meat that is aromatic and pleasantly light on the palate.

Cheese: Umbria's Dairy Delights

Umbria's cheese selection is no less impressive, with unique varieties that tantalize the taste buds. The Honey Cheese, "San Michele in Cera d'Api," is a marvel of dairy craftsmanship. Made from Cacio di Vicio wheels, this cheese undergoes a unique preparation process involving hot water washes before being enveloped in sterilized beeswax sheets laced with wildflower honey, imbuing it with subtle floral and vanilla notes.

Pecorino Tinivello offers a taste of Umbria's pastoral beauty. This sheep's milk cheese, aged for 90-150 days, boasts a smooth, shiny rind and a semi-hard, pale yellow paste. Its flavor is a harmonious blend of savouriness and mild acidity, with aromatic hints of cooked butter and fresh forage, making it perfect with truffle honey or pear jam.

Sottocenere, a truffle-flavoured cheese, is a pasteurised cow's milk cheese matured for up to 60 days. Its rind, covered in beech ash, conceals a paste dotted with fine black truffle bits, offering a sweet taste with the distinctive undergrowth aroma of truffles, balanced with fresh grass notes.

Truffles: Umbria's Underground Treasures

Umbria's truffle tradition is legendary, with black, summer, and white truffles gracing its woodlands. Truffle-infused products like honey with truffle add an exquisite touch to cheeses and desserts, with acacia honey and black truffle creating a perfect balance. Black truffle butter and White Truffle Balsamic Vinegar cream are other artisanal delights, enhancing dishes with the unmistakable flavors of the forest.

Taste Umbria with Umbrieria

Our exploration of Umbrian cuisine reveals a world where tradition and flavor converge in a symphony of tastes. From the finest charcuterie and cheeses to the exquisite subtleties of truffles, Umbria offers culinary treasures that speak of its rich cultural heritage.

At Umbrieria, we bring the taste of Umbria to Malta, offering these and many more artisanal products through our online shop. Experience the convenience of free delivery within 24 hours or opt for express delivery in 1 or 2 hours for a nominal fee. Dive into the heart of Italian culinary tradition with Umbrieria, where every bite is a journey to Umbria.