If you are a fan of Italian food, you must have heard about and tasted Finocchiona salami! Fennel salami or Finocchiona salami is one of the most popular types of Italian salami with a distinct aroma and fennel flavor, typically from Tuscany or Florence.
Some types of fennel salami have a tenderness and soft consistency that makes it crumble in your hand. This texture and refreshing flavor of the fennel are what make Finocchiona so irresistible! Well-aged fennel salami can be dense and chewy and is best paired with your favorite wine.
If you are interested in learning more about this delicious Italian cured meat, read below regarding fennel salami history, the recipe for fennel salami, fennel salami’s taste, and the best pairings for fennel salami.
Fennel Salami – History and Background
Every salumiere prides itself on their art of making Finocchiona. Fennel salami is an important part of Italian food culture, and it is believed that the salami first originated in the Renaissance or during the Late Middle Ages. It was used as an alternative ingredient to black pepper, the key ingredient used in making salami, which was very expensive at the time.
Since fennel grew wild and abundantly in the Tuscan countryside area, it was an inexpensive alternative that added a unique aroma and taste to the meat.
There is also an old legend about how fennel salami was made, or more accurately, ‘discovered’. People say that there was a quick Italian thief that stole some regular salami and was discovered in the chase. In his hurry, he hid the salami in a patch of wild fennel as he ran to escape. When he returned for it later, the salami had developed a sweet and herby aroma that people either hate or love.
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What Does Fennel Salami Taste Like?
The main ingredient in fennel salami is fennel, which is called finocchio in Italian. Fennel is rich in menthol, and due to its anesthetic qualities, fennel salami used to be offered to customers by Chianti winemakers before they had them taste their low-quality wines. The menthol masked the taste of the low-quality wine.
The method of making fennel salami is similar to making other Italian sausages. Like Toscano salami and other similar types, fennel salami is marbled with fat. In each slice of fennel salami, you will be able to see fat chunks and some pieces of wild fennel seeds.
Fennel salami has a refreshing taste that you might not have tried ever before. People who like to try new foods will definitely appreciate this experience and may fall in love with the minty aroma and soft texture of the salami.
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How Is Fennel Salami Made?
Fennel salami is available widely in Italian delis and the deli section of your supermarket. However, if you are interested in making fennel salami at home for you and your family, you can easily make it in your kitchen. Although the process requires a lot of patience, the salami you make at home will have the perfect amount of seasonings per your preference.
The main ingredients that are used to make fennel salami are chopped pork meat, wild fennel seeds, Chianti red wine, salt, garlic, and pepper. Fennel salami is most commonly made with pork; however, a small amount of beef can be added to the mix.
The mixture should be 1 part fat and 1 part lean meat. The ‘guanciale’ is the fat from the cheek of the pig, which is added to this Italian sausage. The lean parts of the meat come from the shoulder and belly of the pig.
At first, the meat and the fat from the pig and coarsely ground until well combined. Afterward, salt is added along with pepper to season the meat, and the mixture is combined with wild fennel seeds, garlic, and Chianti red wine.
Commercially made fennel salami also contains nitrates in the mix. In the end, the mixture of meat and spices is packed into a natural casing. This casing is most commonly 25 cm or 10 inches wide.
The aging time for fennel salami is at least five months to a year, depending on its size. After five months, the fennel salami can be sold commercially and may even develop mold on its skin. The mold shows that the sausage is well-cured and has developed more intense flavors over time.
Aside from the classic fennel salami, there is a variant that is called Sbriciolona. Sbrisolona is made with a coarser grind of meat and undergoes a quicker drying procedure that is about a month or less. Compared to Finocchiona salami, it is much softer and crumblier in texture.
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What Are the Best Pairings for Fennel Salami?
Since the aroma and taste of fennel are prominent in fennel salami, it is important for you to choose a fitting wine pairing that complements this flavor. Italian Barbera has cherry and berry notes that complement the taste of dried herbs. It can make for a fitting pairing with your favorite Finocchiona salami. The herbaceous Sancerre is also a good fit with fennel salami and has a less fruit-forward taste.
Creamy ricotta cheese complements the refreshing taste of fennel salami and provides a luxurious texture along with the sausage. Goat cheese is another option to try if you are looking to try something traditional with fennel salami.
How to Make Italian Finocchiona Salami – Fennel Salami
In this video, you will learn how to make authentic fennel salami that will pair fantastically with your favorite Italian wine and cheese.
Fennel Salami – Frequently Asked Questions
What is salami with fennel called?
Fennel with salami is called Finocchiona salami or fennel salami. This type of Italian salami has a refreshing taste from wild fennel seeds and a delicious flavor from pork meat.
What does Finocchiona mean in Italian?
Finocchiona means fennel in Italian. Since the main ingredient of fennel salami is fennel seeds, this Italian sausage is also called Finocchiona.
How much fennel do I put in salami?
If a salumiere makes salami with 100 kg of meat, they will only need to add a small amount of wild fennel seeds or flowers, which is around 200 to 500 grams. In short, you will only need to add 0.2% to 0.5% of the amount of meat of fennel seeds in the fennel salami.
Where is fennel salami from?
Fennel salami is an Italian sausage that originates from Tuscany, Florence.
Summary
Fennel salami is a one-of-a-kind Italian sausage that comes from Tuscany, Florence, where there is an abundance of fennel in the countryside. This Italian sausage has a unique menthol flavor which people find wonderfully unique and tasty.
The best part about Finocchiona is that it pairs exceptionally well with Italian wine and cheese and can be enjoyed as it is. You will most commonly see this delicious, cured meat on charcuterie boards and other selections.
For more information about various Italian sausages and cured meats, click the links below.
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My name is Jay and I started this website to share my love of Deli Food. I am Jewish with Italian ancestry and grandparents who emigrated to the US from Poland, Russia and Turkey. This website is my celebration of the delicious flavors of international deli culture. Please feel free to send me your suggestions and feedback through the contact form.
