Similarities and differences between the two typical sausages from Livigno
Bresaola in Livigno It is part of the Alpine tradition and culture of the local area, but another characteristic of the territory is the slinzega, an ancient sausage that is still one of the best and most genuine ones today. These are two similar but different products in some respects, which we at Alpe Livigno We include in our Production of cured meats at zero kmLet's discover what they resemble and what they differ from each other.
What do slinzega and bresaola have in common?
Let's start with what bresaola and slinzega have in common and what makes them similar. two similar sausages:
- the alpine origin, Because in both cases it is mountain cured meats deeply rooted in the local area. Various hypotheses have been formulated regarding the geographical origin of the bresaola; all of them are confined to the Alps area, but Valtellina is considered the homeland of the bresaola, while slinzega is a typical Valtellina cured meat and is not found outside the province of Sondrio: the one in Livigno is called “slinziga”, in the local dialect, which makes it even more specific and unique;
- the type of processing, This method is similar for both cured meats and involves traditional and artisanal techniques following the same steps: the selection and grinding of the raw material, the curing process with aromatic herbs and salt, and the subsequent massaging of the meat, the rest period, drying, and finally the curing process in the climate of the Livignan mountains;
- the quality of the products, which is the result of the quality of the raw material sourced from a local supply chain that is controlled at every stage and that uses only the thinnest and finest cuts. We have been farmers for generations (discover the history of our agricultural company) and we produce our sausages from the meat of our animals that live in the mountains, cared for and fed with commitment and passion in the barn and in the pasture;
- the methods of consumption, Because both the bresaola and the slinziga are perfect aperitif meats, ideal to be savored in their pure form just cut or to be served with local cheeses, rye bread and a good glass of red wine (discover the typical products of the Livigno aperitif).
Main differences between bresaola and slinzega
But salami and prosciutto are not a miniature version of each other; they are rather two different types of salami, They are often considered “cousins”: relatives, that is, but with different characteristics. Here are the More important differences Among the two products:
- The most immediate one is the diversity of formats and sizes. The slinzega is smaller and more compact than the bresaola (whether whole or sliced), because the starting piece is smaller, derived from a portion of the animal’s thigh;
- the duration of the maturation process is different, Because of its size, too: the bresaola requires a longer maturation period, while the slinziga matures in a few days (about 10-20) and is ready sooner;
- for the bresaola, beef is used, coming only from some noble cuts of the thigh, while The slinziga can be made from beef or porkFor the latter, we at Alpe Livigno use 100% Italian pork meat (Discover our pork slinzega);
- the bresaola is sliced, the slinzega is cut. The two cured meats require different cutting methods, respectively with the slicer and with the knife: the manual cutting of the slinziga ensures that the slices are thicker and coarser than those of the bresaola, for greater texture during the tasting phase;
- The flavor of slinziga is different from that of bresaola, It reveals itself to be more pronounced and slightly more spicy. The aroma of the bresaola is perceived as more “light”, while that of the slinzega is more aromatic and rustic.
Where to buy them in Livigno
The slinzega and the bresaola in Livigno They are typical products that can be found in many specialized stores. If you are looking for them Authentic and genuine local charcuterie Come and buy them from our store Alpe Livigno sales outlets, Quality guarantee and production from km0:
- shop in the center, on Plan 93/H;
- Tresenda store, at Via Dali Mina 132/A.