HOW TO RECOGNIZE PARMA'S SUPERIOR HAMS

01.05.2006

Prosciutto di Parma producers take pride in their superb all-natural hams, with a unique flavor achieved through slow and meticulous curing.

To bear the Prosciutto di Parma mark, which consists of a five-pointed ducal crown with the word “Parma” printed inside, a ham must be produced in the region of Parma, Italy, and meet strict quality standards. A 200-member consortium of growers sets those standards, which are backed up by Italian law.

Prosciutto di Parma is also recognized by the European Union as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product –that is, a unique food produced by traditional methods in a specific geographical region. The names Prosciutto di Parma® and Parma Ham®, as well as the mark, are registered with the U.S. government.

Despite these guarantees of authenticity, American consumers may encounter hams that appear to be genuine Prosciutto di Parma but actually are not. Labels using phrases such as “traditional prosciutto” and “Parma brand” are used by domestic imitators trying to blur the distinction between their products and genuine ham from Parma.

To be sure you are buying the best, ask specifically for Prosciutto di Parma—and look for the five-pointed ducal crown.

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