Speck is an old term that references to a conservation method of salting and smoking ham used by families as Speck was mainly eaten at home. This salting method is still partly used for many hams in the Mediterranean area; the smoking method is more used in northern European hams. The 'Alto Adige' refers to an area between these two regions and enjoys a very special climate, its people combined these two techniques: Speck Alto Adige is produced according to the traditional rule of thumb 'a little salt, a little smoke and plenty of air'. Today, speck, bread and wine represent the foundation of the most popular snack in the South Tyrol.
Speck Alto Adige is a raw, boned ham, lightly smoked and aged for 22 weeks. The exterior of a slab of Speck is brown, while the inside is red with whitish-pink areas. Speck has a strong smoky and zesty scent. During the salting process, the meat is flavored with black pepper, pimento, garlic and juniper berry which lend it a distinctive and savory taste.