Spring has finally arrived and with it, an explosion of colors and flavors that invade our palate! Spring is a magical season , characterized by the awakening of nature, warmer and longer days and also by the growth of many seasonal vegetables , such as asparagus , green beans, spinach, lettuce, etc. which represent an excellent source of nutrients for our diet.
Today, globalization and worldwide mass distribution allow us to find a great variety of products at any time of the year, but this also has a significant environmental impact . Intensive agriculture and the logistics needed to transport food around the world require large amounts of energy and natural resources. For this reason, it is important to consume local and seasonal products, which require less energy to produce and transport, and which often taste more authentic. Furthermore, buying local products can support the local economy and reduce the environmental impact.
Eating sustainably and mindfully is a commitment we can all make to protect our planet and our well-being.
A delicious culinary pairing to celebrate the Italian spring is that of asparagus with Parma ham , such as the 18-month aged one produced by Salumificio Magnoni . This top quality ham has a delicate flavor and a soft, succulent texture, perfect for balancing flavors with asparagus.
Salumificio Magnoni does not limit itself to creating excellent gastronomic products, but also pays attention to environmental sustainability . The production of Parma ham is carried out with artisan techniques that respect the environment, avoiding the use of liquids during salting and using only sea salt.
The company is also dedicated to the internal production of electricity and heat , adopting advanced and green technologies . Electricity is produced by photovoltaic panels, while thermal energy is obtained through a cogeneration system which recovers the heat and satisfies all the thermal needs of the plant. This choice not only reduces the energy costs of the cured meat factory, but also contributes to achieving the objectives of the Kyoto Protocol ( 1997 international agreement established by the UN) to limit greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change . Furthermore, it only makes use of raw materials from farms at km 0 . This demonstrates the willingness to reduce the environmental impact of production and to invest in sustainable solutions for the future.
Like every creation of Salumificio Magnoni, Parma ham , fruit of the passion for tradition, is not only a product of the highest quality, but also sustainable and attentive to the needs of the environment. The craftsmanship guarantees a delicate flavor and a soft and succulent texture, perfect for many culinary combinations. A product to be enjoyed with the awareness of having in your hands a gastronomic masterpiece that respects the environment.
To prepare a delicious dish of asparagus and Parma ham , you can cook the asparagus in boiling salted water for a few minutes, then wrap each one in a slice of ham and cook it in the oven until golden brown. Serve with a light sauce made from Greek yogurt and herbs. If you want to try a more creative alternative, prepare a risotto with asparagus and Parma ham, enriched with Parmigiano Reggiano and a squeeze of lemon for a touch of freshness.
In any case, the dish will be a gastronomic masterpiece that respects the environment, and that will make you fully enjoy the magic of spring.