We the Italians May 17, 2015 - 60 | Page 26

th # 60 • MAY 17 , 2015 th # 60 • MAY 17 , 2015 protected part of the rind is covered with suet, which keeps the meat soft. The curing process transforms the fresh meat into prosciutto. The legs are hung up for 5 months in rooms with north-south facing windows to catch the warm winds from the Adriatic Sea and the contrasting cold winds that come from the Alps. Once the "curing" is over, each prosciutto is rigorously checked. A small, pointed horse bone is inserted into five points of the meat and examined by experts with a heightened sense of smell. Only prosciutto that meets the requirements will be fire-branded with the mark of the Consortium. Attention to detail, patience and love of tradition make Prosciutto di San Daniele DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) a truly unique product. 26 | WE THE ITALIANS WE THE ITALIANS | 27 www.wetheitalians.com www.wetheitalians.com