Top 5 Croatian Hams

Dalmatinski pršut is a cured, smoked, and dried ham that is usually served thinly sliced alongside bread, cheese, or fruit such as melon. Unlike its Italian (prosciutto) and Istrian counterparts, the Dalmatian version of pršut is wood-smoked and dried for a minimum of twelve months. It is produced with fresh pork legs, with the bone, skin and subcutaneous fat. After preparation, which includes dry-salting, pressing, and seasoning, it is smoked and left to dry and mature in the air. The final period is strongly influenced by the cold and dry Bora wind, which creates favorable conditions for maturation. The combination of Mediterranean climate and traditional preparation techniques contribute to the exceptional quality of pršut, which is appreciated for its mildly smoky aroma, soft texture, and slightly salty taste.Expand

One of the staple ingredients of Croatian cuisine, Istrian pršut or prosciutto is a traditional cured and dried ham. It is usually served thinly sliced as an entree, alongside some artisanal bread and sheep or goat milk cheese. Its production is the simpler than those of other prosciuttos, as it is not smoked and is processed without its skin. After its skin and fat are removed, it is salted with coarse salt, pressed and rubbed with the mixture of black pepper, garlic, and different herbs. It is then dried for a few months in the wind before it is left to mature and ferment for the final six to eight months. The meat used in the production of pršut is sourced from the local pig breeds. Istrian pršut it deep red in color without any discolorations, and should have a sweet taste and almost melt in the mouth when thinly sliced.Expand

Considered to be of the best quality of all the Croatian prosciuttos, Drniš prosciutto is a cured, smoked and dried ham produced in this region since the 14th century. It is scientifically proven that the submediterranean microclimate conditions around Drniš make this type of ham different from those produced in Istria or Dalmatia. The thighs used in the production of pršut must be of premium quality, sourced locally and weigh more than 11 kilograms. The prepared meat is salted, pressed, cold-smoked and dried for a minimum of 12 months. It is dried in the wind, and the balance between the cold and dry Bora wind, and the warmer Jugo wind, is essential for it to develop all its characteristic aromas and flavors. The ham is intense ruby-red in color, shiny when sliced and has a sweet and aromatic flavor. It should almost melt in the mouth and should not have any acidity, bitterness or rancid aftertaste.Expand

This Croatian prosciutto hails from the island of Krk, and what makes it unique is the specific way of production which is a peculiar blend of the two traditional ham curing methods. Unlike its Istrian and Dalmatian counterparts which are, respectively, trimmed of skin and smoked, Krk prosciutto is a non-smoked ham cured skin-on after being dry-salted with sea salt flavored with pepper, rosemary, and bay leaf. Despite being equipped with the latest technological solutions, the manufacturers of Krčki pršut use a natural system of curing whenever possible, which means the hams are left to dry and mature in the strong, salt-bearing Bora wind, characteristic for the Adriatic. This results in a more delicate, sweet to mildly salty flavor with pronounced notes of slow-matured pig meat. An essential part of any appetizer platter of the local cuisine, Krk prosciutto is best enjoyed with some aromatic sheep milk cheese and a chilled glass of dry white Žlahtina, the island's best-known wine.Expand

Posedarski pršut is a variety of Dalmatian prosciutto that has been traditionally prepared in Posedarje. This Croatian gourmet delicacy is typically made from the hind legs of a high-quality pig. The meat is entirely free from any additives or preservatives, and it is seasoned only with sea salt before it is pressed, dried, and allowed to mature for at least 12 months. The drying process of the prosciutto usually involves smoking with juniper wood and drying naturally in the fierce Dalmatian bora wind, which is said to infuse the meat with droplets of pure sea salt directly from the sea as well as with the scent of fresh mountain air coming from the nearby Velebit Mountain. With a flavor and quality said to be unrivaled, the prosciutto is typically sliced paper-thin and paired with cheese and a glass of fine wine, or drizzled with olive oil and eaten with slices of fresh bread.Expand