Italian Zampone

Italian Zampone is a traditional dish from the Emilia-Romagna region, consisting of a deboned pig's trotter that is stuffed with a rich, seasoned pork mixture, often including lean pork, fatback, and aromatic spices. It is then slowly cooked or cured, resulting in a savory, tender delicacy that is particularly popular during the winter holidays.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Zampone is a high-protein and high-fat dish, with very few carbohydrates, as it is primarily composed of pork and fat. A typical serving can provide a substantial amount of protein and calories, often ranging from 400 to 600 calories per portion, along with minerals like iron and zinc.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	680 kcal
Protein	38 g
Carbs	8 g
Fat	55 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	850 mg
Vitamin B12	4.5 µg
Iron	3.5 mg
Zinc	5.0 mg
Phosphorus	280 mg
Selenium	25 µg
Niacin (B3)	8 mg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.3 mg
Choline	90 mg

Per 1 piece (approximately 250 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Zampone is a historic example of culinary resourcefulness, originating as a way to use the entire pig and preserve meat before modern refrigeration. Nutritionally, its high collagen content from the trotter can be beneficial for joint and skin health, making it a unique blend of tradition and functional nutrition.