Delicious Tuscan cured lardo seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices and aged for a minimum of 60 days.

Italian lardo is most unlike typical lard in the UK, which to most people is a fat used for frying or shortening.

Lardo in Italy, in particular Tuscany, is a true delicacy and one of the most delightful and refined of all Italian cured meats.

It is traditionally enjoyed sliced very thinly on just-toasted bread (see recipe below) but is also one of the great ingredients to have in the kitchen as it lends its unique flavours and aroma to so many dishes. It's a classic "chef's secret" and plays an integral part in the preparation of many haute cuisine recipes. So don't be put off by the name and try something which will add some exquisite magic to your cooking too! (See below for some suggestions).

How is it Made?

This lardo is prepared following a traditional process from the beautiful Elsa Valley area just south of San Gimignano near Siena in Tuscany. It is very similar to the more famous (and more expensive) Lardo di Colonnato and cured with the same ingredients and skill.

Pork fat from the shoulders and back is cut into flat strips and seasalt crystals, aromatic herbs including freshly ground black pepper, fresh garlic, coriander, rosemary and sage and spices are massaged in. No additives or preservatives are used. It is left to cure for a minimum of 2 months while all its distinctive fragrance and revered flavours are gently absorbed. After curing it is so tender it melts in the mouth.

What's it like?

It has a nice rustic appearance, white with pinkish hues and an external layer covered in spices. It has a distinct yet delicate fragrance which is defined by the aromatic herbs and elevated by the spices. It's subtle, fresh taste has a lovely sweetness which is enhanced by the multiple layers of flavour absorbed during aging.

Traditional Lardo della Val D'Elsa Bruschetta Recipe

Ingredients for 4 people:

200g Lardo

1 clove of garlic

1 pinch of parsley

Rustic/crusty bread

Salt and pepper

Insructions

Very thinky slice the lardo, garlic and parsley and mix together.

Add the salt and pepper as desired and leave mix in the fridge.

Cut the bread into thickish slices and toast. Once ready, immediately spread the lardo mixture and serve.

This preparation for lardo can also be used to flavour soups and mixed boiled vegetables.

This Fennel salame or Finocchiona is made by Gelli Salumi from near Siena in Tuscany. Our best selling salame, made from premium quality pork with the addition of wild fennel seeds and aromatic Tuscan herbs. It is expertly prepared using timeless Tuscan artisan curing processes by the maestro himself, 80 year old Signor Gelli. (We've been to visit Signor Gelli at his workshop on numerous occasions and after well over half a century of working with cured meats, his boyish enthusiasm as he speaks about his latest batch of creations is contagious and enthralling to behold. Great character!)

It has a soft texture and really does melt in your mouth. The herbs and wild fennel extend their flavours and combine perfectly with the lean pork during the curing process to produce a stunning version of this Tuscan classic. Guaranteed hit as part of a platter of antipasti at the dinner table and makes wonderful sandwiches as well.

From Certaldo, near Siena in Tuscany.

This is the mini-salame version. Also available in 500g size and larger catering sizes up to 3kg.

NB this is an artisan cured meat made by hand and weights may differ slightly. Approx £18.49/kg

Buristo is the ancient, classic Tuscan black pudding from Siena. It is even mentioned in Homer's Odyssey as a prize given to Ulysses.

Our Buristo is prepared by 80 year old artisan expert, Signor Gelli at his workshop near the lovely Siena and San Gimignano area. Mr Gelli follows traditional recipes which include seasoning with citrus fruit, sultanas, pinenuts and Tuscan spices to produce a blood sausage which is soft, almost creamy, with a lovely aroma and delicate yet spicy flavour.

Buristo is getting harder to find even in Italy and is quite rare in the UK. Try it on panino, as part of a cured meat platter or as a side to boiled meat dishes, with a nice glass of Tuscan red.

NB this is an artisan cured meat produced by hand and weights may vary slightly. Only £10.69/kg

Please note this item has a Best Before date of 19/05/2013 and has been discounted for this reason. You can rest assured it has been kept in an ideal storage environment and will remain in perfect condition for well beyond this date. You also have our full-refund peace of mind guarantee if you aren't completely satisfied with it.

A great chance to get hold of a gourmet cured meat at a great price. Don't miss out - very few pieces remaining.

If you're ever in the Siena area of Tuscany, keep a look out for Italy's most famous onion: the sweet and delicious Certaldo onion with PDO status, Cipolla di Certaldo DOP.

Gelli Salumi, artisan maestros in the art of curing meat, hail from Certaldo and couldn't resist the temptation to blend this local delicacy with their finest cured pork salami.

The result is an exclusive and unique salami which is deliciously flavoured and makes a perfect and original addition to any cold meat selection or on pizza or pasta dishes.

It's amazing onion shape is sure to get your guests talking!

NB. this is an artisan cured meat, made by hand and weights may vary very slightly. £23.59/kg.

Pancetta as recommended by Nigella! http://www.nigella.com/books/nigellissima_stockists

This is the real stuff!

Tuscan-style pancetta is perfect for pasta dishes like Carbonara but adds a lovely flavour to 100s of sauces and fried dishes soffriti. Just dice and fry or grill. The pancetta is expertly cured with spices (mainly black pepper) following traditional Tuscan recipes. You won't find better than this.

NB this is an artisan cured meat made by hand and weights may differ slightly. Approx £14.49/kg

As testimony to the quality of our Pancetta, it has won the Double Gold Star at the 2010 Great Taste Awards! The best in its category.

Pancetta as recommended by Nigella! http://www.nigella.com/books/nigellissima_stockists

This is the real stuff!

Tuscan-style pancetta is perfect for pasta dishes like Carbonara but adds a lovely flavour to 100s of sauces and fried dishes soffriti. Just dice and fry or grill. The pancetta is expertly cured with spices (mainly black pepper) following traditional Tuscan recipes. You won't find better than this.

NB this is an artisan cured meat made by hand and weights may differ slightly. Only £14.49/kg

As testimony to the quality of our Pancetta, it has won the Double Gold Star at the Great Taste Awards! The best in its category.

This Fennel salame or Finocchiona is made by Gelli Salumi from near Siena in Tuscany. Our best selling salame, made from premium quality pork with the addition of wild fennel seeds and aromatic Tuscan herbs. It is expertly prepared using timeless Tuscan artisan curing processes by the maestro himself, 80 year old Signor Gelli. (We've been to visit Signor Gelli at his workshop on numerous occasions and after well over half a century of working with cured meats, his boyish enthusiasm as he speaks about his latest batch of creations is contagious and enthralling to behold. Great character!)

It has a soft texture and really does melt in your mouth. The herbs and wild fennel extend their flavours and combine perfectly with the lean pork during the curing process to produce a stunning version of this Tuscan classic. Guaranteed hit as part of a platter of antipasti at the dinner table and makes wonderful sandwiches as well.

From Certaldo, near Siena in Tuscany.

This is the classic salame version. Also available in mini version (appr 180g) and larger catering sizes up to 3kg.

NB this is an artisan cured meat made by hand and weights may differ slightly. Only £17.89/kg.

Please note this item has a Best Before date of 15/06/2013 and has been discounted for this reason. You can rest assured it has been kept in an ideal storage environment and will remain in perfect condition for well beyond this date. You also have our full-refund peace of mind guarantee if you aren't completely satisfied with it.

A great chance to get hold of a gourmet cured prosciutto ham at a great price. Don't miss out - very few pieces remaining.

Melt in your mouth heaven! If you like Italian Prosciutto, then this aged Tuscan Riserva ham is a must-try.

Gelli uses only the best local Tuscan hams and follows traditional Tuscan artisan curing processes to bring out all the natural flavours. Great for salads, sandwiches, as an antipasto, with melon or served with goats cheese, on pizza or even as an accompaniment to our fine 30 month Parmesan cheese.

Compare this to any supermarket ham (or real Parma Ham for that matter) and you'll really notice the difference.

Comes ready sliced in a handy 120g package.

From: Certaldo, near Siena in Tuscany.

The Salsiccia Napoli is Italy's version of the Spanish Chorizo and can be used in much the same way. Made by 80 year old maestro Signor Gelli at his workshop near Siena in Tuscany, his Napoli sausage uses only the finest quality pork cured with herbs and fresh red chillies.

When you try it, you initially taste all the delicious flavour of the pork and aromatic herbs while the chilli is very gradually released reaching a fine crescendo of taste and heat on the palate. Marvellous - and a great price too!

Ideal for many dishes including jambalaya, paella, spicy pasta dishes or for an antipasti platter. Large salame in classic "U" shape. Plenty for everyone.

NB this is an artisan cured meat made by hand and weights may differ slightly. Only £14.99/kg - Excellent Price/Quality item.

Please note this item has a Best Before date of 19/05/2013 and has been discounted for this reason. You can rest assured it has been kept in an ideal storage environment and will remain in perfect condition for well beyond this date. You also have our full-refund peace of mind guarantee if you aren't completely satisfied with it.

A great chance to get hold of a gourmet cured meat at a great price. Don't miss out - very few pieces remaining.

This truffle salame is really something to experience. It is made by artisan experts at Gelli Salumificio near Siena, is cured with real pieces of Italian truffle to give a much fresher, fuller taste. Most truffle salami are simply infused with truffle aroma and flavourings.

Signor Gelli uses only the finest pork, truffles and herbs and the combination of flavours and aromas really shines through. Not so easy to find in the UK and a guaranteed hit at the dinner table!

Excellent as an antipasto, with cheese or in a wild rocket salad. Also makes a great gourmet sandwich!

NB this is an artisan cured meat made by hand and weights may differ slightly. £27.59/kg

Please note this item has a Best Before date of 1/07/2013 and has been discounted for this reason. You can rest assured it has been kept in an ideal storage environment and will remain in perfect condition for well beyond this date. You also have our full-refund peace of mind guarantee if you aren't completely satisfied with it.

A great chance to get hold of a real gourmet cured meat from Tuscany at a great price. Don't miss out - very few pieces remaining.

This truffle salame is really something to experience. It is made by artisan experts at Gelli Salumificio near Siena, is cured with real pieces of Italian truffle to give a much fresher, fuller taste. Most truffle salami are simply infused with truffle aroma and flavourings.

Signor Gelli uses only the finest pork, truffles and herbs and the combination of flavours and aromas really shines through. Not so easy to find in the UK and a guaranteed hit at the dinner table!

Excellent as an antipasto, with cheese or in a wild rocket salad. Also makes a great gourmet sandwich!

NB this is an artisan cured meat made by hand and weights may differ slightly. £26.50/kg.

Small cured wild boar sausages - an unforgettable taste and addictive experience!

These wild boar sausages are produced near Siena, Tuscany by artisan experts Gelli Salumi. They use only the finest quality wild boar and pork to produce a lovely, tasty seasoned sausage, perfect to garnish salad or simply to be eaten by itself as an antipasto or even as the base for pasta sauce. The meat is lean and full of proteins.

NB this is an hand-made artisan cured meat and weights may differ slightly. Approx £23.79/kg