[Sponsored Article] Traditional premium Italian delicatessen deli-meats are headlining an ‘Italian Fair’ welcoming the festive season at Hong Kong’s four city ’super specialty stores in Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay and Shatin from 1st November – 31st December 2019. Tastings, cooking demonstrations and culinary events are showcasing four prized and beloved Italian deli specialties – Mortadella Bologna, Salamini Italiani alla Cacciatora, Zampone Modena and Cotechino Modena , all certified as PDO (protected denomination of origin) and PGI (protected geographical indication) by the European Union. The pre-Christmas promotion is part of the ‘Enjoy the Authentic Joy from Europe’ three years campaign enhancing appreciation of Europe’s culinary heritage and gastronomy, co-financed by the European Union. “Traditional Italian deli-meats are a delicious, nutritious and healthy affordable luxury for festive season celebrations – ready-made to delight gathering of friends, families or colleagues at parties and functions of all kinds,” said Gianluigi Ligasacchi, Consortia Director representing the three deli-meat consortia. The promotion and tastings will take place at city ’super Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui; city ’super ifc mall, Central; city ’super New Town Plaza, Shatin; and city ’super Times Square, Causeway Bay every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through city ’super’s annual Christmas promotion from 1st – 31st December. Super e-gold, super e-members and city ’super card holders can enjoy special offers and privileges purchasing the prized Italian deli specialties during city 'super Winter Fest from 3rd – 5th December, as well as 24th – 26th, 31st December. Italy’s most treasured deli-meats are authenticated with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status guaranteeing authenticity of production, quality of ingredients, nutritional values and health benefits. Zampone Modena PGI and Cotechino Modena PGI are traditional festive culinary delicacies, first produced 500 years ago on the outskirts of Modena. Five centuries on, the two illustrious deli-meats are still prepared according to the traditional recipe, but with additional PGI certification ensuring the same precise blend of meats and seasonings used since the Renaissance era. Considered to be the ancestor of all deli-meats containing rind, Cotechino Modena PGI was a gourmet specialty from when the first Italian states were established, revered for its delicate yet strong taste. Delicately flavoured with pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and wine, it remains a favourite for festive celebrations to this day. Zampone Modena is a similar classic served on New Year’s Eve, following a rural tradition of sacrificing a pig on Saint Lucy’s Day (13th December). It is highly prized, therefore reserved exclusively for holidays and served with equally prized lentils. The Zampone and Cotechino Modena PGI Consortium is custodian of these two ancient Italian culinary specialities, assuring preparation according to the 500-year-old recipe, for a pink colour with a reddish tinge and firm consistency, in a well-defined geographical area and in compliance with specific production methods. On festive occasions, they are traditionally served with mashed potatoes and/or lentils, and also for ravioli, risotto and spaghetti Bolognese. Both also have more unsaturated than saturated fats in line with modern nutritional recommendations, and rich in protein, Vitamin B and minerals, especially iron and zinc. Authentic Mortadella Bologna PGI is Italy’s most beloved and recognisable deli-meat – distinctively pink coloured with a captivating, intense aroma from a centuries-old recipe including herbs, spices and often pistachio nut. Bologna’s most famous deli-meat dates back to ancient Etruscan and Roman times, and was originally reserved only for elite gourmets, noble families and the rich bourgeoisie who could afford such a luxury artisan product, more expensive than prosciutto. Only after the curing process developed during the 19th century did it become popular and accessible to everyone – with the Mortadella sandwich a beloved snack of the working class. Mortadella Bologna PGI’s unmistakable, soft and aromatic taste is delicious when eaten on its own, on bread – or with countless recipes such as rice with Savoy cabbage, meat and mortadella roulades or even diced with salads. Mortadella Bologna is also proven to be nutritious and healthy, with 100g containing around 288 calories; less than a dish of pasta and the same as its frequent sandwich partner, mozzarella cheese. Only 60-70mg of cholesterol per 100g is equivalent to lean white meat, meaning low cholesterol intake with limited salt content. The specialty is also rich in minerals such as iron and zinc, making it ideal for energy intake, along with Vitamins B1, B2 and Niacin. Salamini Italiani alla Cacciatora PDO (hunter’s salami) dates back around 2,000 years to the pre-Roman Etruscan era, sustaining hunters with sufficient fat, energy and salt on intense horse rides chasing game. Traditional production requires a great deal of experience, from carefully selecting cuts of high-quality Italian pork, which is minced, mixed and seasoned with spices, to curing in traditional string casings for a delicate aroma, sweet flavour and deep ruby red colour. The pride of salamis is perfect on its own with a glass of sparkling wine, partnering bread and mild cheeses, fruit such as apples, and a tasty ingredient in salads, pureed dishes or risottos. Satisfyingly tasty, the salami is also in line with dietary recommendations for both young and old, with suitable protein, vitamin and mineral salt content, meeting the increasing need for higher calcium, phosphorus, zinc and anti-oxidant vitamin intake as an easy, natural means to replenish nutrients lost during physical exercise. “Our collaboration with city ’super is the perfect destination for gourmands to discover premium Italian deli meats for the festive season,” added Mr Ligasacchi. For more information, please visit www.enjoytheauthenticjoy.com .