Prosciutto di San Daniele PDO is not merely food, but a symbol of Italian gastronomic excellence that is deeply rooted in tradition. This extraordinary product has earned recognition from the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), a certification that not only guarantees its quality, but also ensures its authenticity and its unbreakable bond with its territory of origin.
What is PDO?
PDO, the acronym for Protected Designation of Origin, is a mark of legal protection assigned by the European Union to those agricultural or food products whose quality characteristics are strictly linked to the area in which they are produced. This means that every step of production, processing and manufacturing must take place in a specific geographical place, ensuring that the region’s inherent natural and human factors impart their unique and inimitable characteristics on the product.
How does it differ to other geographical indications?
In the landscape of certifications of origin, there are other indications alongside PDO that differ in their degree of connection between the region and the characteristics of the protected products.
- PGI (Protected Geographical Indication): the main difference between PDO and PGI lies in the extent to which the product is linked to the region. For PDO, the entire production process must take place in a specific geographical area, whereas for PGI only a part of the process needs to take place in that area.
- TSG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed): this indication is not linked to a specific territory, but protects a traditional production method, ensuring that the product is made according to a recognised traditional recipe.
- DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) and DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin): these designations are primarily used in the wine industry and are two of the highest levels of recognition for Italian wines. DOC ensures that a wine comes from a specific geographical area and adheres to specific production requirements. DOCG, however, is an even higher level of control and guarantee, reserved only for wines of excellent quality and with an established historic tradition.
Why is Prosciutto di San Daniele a PDO product?
Prosciutto di San Daniele is the perfect example of what it means to be a PDO product. This prosciutto takes its unique nature from the San Daniele del Friuli microclimate, a combination of one-of-a-kind environmental factors and processing techniques passed down by generations. It has been recognised as a Designation of Origin product by Italy since 1970, and as a PDO by the European Union as of 1996 – evidence of its value and deep connection with the region.
Production of Prosciutto di San Daniele PDO follows strict rules laid down by the Product Specification, a document that establishes all the steps in the production process, from requirements for the pigs to processing and ageing techniques. Only thighs of pigs born, raised and slaughtered in ten regions of central and northern Italy may be used, and the processing must exclusively take place in the thirty-one prosciutto factories located in the Municipality of San Daniele del Friuli.
The consumer guarantee
The PDO indication is not just a mark, but a true guarantee for the consumer. It ensures that Prosciutto di San Daniele PDO is made according to traditional techniques and in compliance with the highest quality standards. Each step of production is subject to strict controls by certification bodies that guarantee the product’s traceability and conformity to the established standards. This not only protects the brand, but also protects the consumer, so they can be sure that they are serving an authentic and genuine product that is closely linked to its territory of origin.
In conclusion, the PDO mark that Prosciutto di San Daniele bears represents a seal of unmistakable quality, which embodies the history, tradition and passion of a unique territory. A product that brings the essence of San Daniele del Friuli with it, and that, thanks to the PDO, is protected and valued in the way it deserves.
