Finocchiona Salami

In Italy, finocchiona salamis are a staple. They’re known and named for their signature ingredient: fennel seeds (fennel is finocchio in Italian, pronounced “fee-noh-kee-oh”).

The recipe goes back past the Renaissance to a time when pepper—another popular ingredient in salami—was really expensive and hard to get. Fennel, however, grew wild and everywhere. The strong, herbal flavor of fennel gave the otherwise plain meat some punch and character.

This version from Red Bear Provisions is an awesome example of the classic. Made with premium cuts of heritage-breed pork and seasoned with fennel seeds, garlic, salt and pepper, this salami is a must for any appetizer tray and a great choice for salume lovers.