
Black Forest, Virginia, Capocollo, Honey Roasted, Honey Maple – All incredibly tasty in their own right, but understanding how each of these deliciously sweet and smoky meats came to be and what makes them each so uniquely delectable is a secret often veiled in mystery.
We’d like to invite you behind the curtain. Welcome to Deli Ham 101.
Schwarzwald, pronounced [shvahrts-vahlt], is the lush, forested mountain range in southwestern Germany, more commonly known as The Black Forest. Gorgeous foothills and pastures grace this wooded region bound by the Rhine valley to the west and south.
It’s namesake ham is known for it’s delicately blackened skin and light, smoky flavor. That dark edge comes from spices applied prior to smoking. Salt, garlic, coriander, juniper and pepper to name a few. Black Forest ham is smoked over pine or fir and the whole process can take up to three months. It’s a very moist ham and gets much of it’s distinct flavor from the types of wood used in smoking.
DI LUSSO® Black Forest Ham is carefully crafted and modeled after these time honored traditions.
Some of our favorites include Savory Breakfast Cups, which pair a smooth and smoky Gouda with the lovely edged Black Forest ham, and this Hot Ham and Swiss Sandwich. It too showcases the that beautiful edge. The the nutty notes of the Swiss cheese are perfect compliment to the light, smoky, classic Black Forest flavor.
It’s smoked over wood from oak, walnut, apple and more frequently, hickory trees. Virginia ham has a slightly milder taste than Black Forest and is patiently cured for as long as a year or more.
DI LUSSO® Virginia Ham is a classic-tasting ham and a perennial sandwich favorite. It’s cooked, cured and smoked in the traditional method honoring it’s American roots and celebrating it’s widely loved flavor. Like Black Forest, it’s versatility allows it to both shine and compliment in many recipes.
As beautiful to serve as they are delicious, Pear, Ham and Provolone Crostinis are a lovely blend of sweet and savory and make a perfect appetizer for entertaining at home.
Our Ranch Club Wrap is a great lunch option. It’s loaded with fresh vegetables like cucumber, avocado and spinach. We love it with Virginia ham. It’s a just-right balance of cool crunch and luscious smokiness.
Try serving our DI LUSSO® Hot Ham Capocollo in this beautifully festive Fall Platter at your next celebration or impromptu gathering. Create bite sized bursts of flavor with Global Inspired Tapas using a variety of delicious meats, cheeses and fresh toppings. Just add a pour of your favorite wine and you’re set for entertaining in style.
We never use artificial flavors or colors in any of our meats. In fact all of our meats are gluten free and contain no fillers and no MSG. It’s this attention to detail and tradition that give our meats such an authentic, rich flavor.
Here are just a few of our favorite recipes featuring some of our most loved specialty hams.
Florentine Flatbread with Honey Maple Ham, Provolone and fresh arugula.
Eggs Benedict with Double Smoked Black Pepper Ham.
Ham-Wrapped Grissini and Asparagus with Honey Roasted Ham.
Ham and Swiss Breakfast Sandwich with Brown Sugar Ham and fresh basil.