Epic source
Protein
32.4 g · 65% DV target
A lean, air-dried salted beef from Northern Italy, bresaola offers a tender, silky texture and deep savory flavor while serving as a highly concentrated source of animal protein.
Bresaola is a cured meat characterized by a high protein density and a lower fat content compared to traditional cured meats like salami, making it a frequent inclusion in specialized diets such as those for athletes or weight management .279
The curing process for bresaola typically involves nitrates and nitrites for preservation; however, institutional monitoring indicates that most commercial samples do not exceed permissible safety limits established by European regulations .5
The fatty acid profile of bresaola is significantly influenced by the animal's diet, with pasture-fed sources showing higher levels of n-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) and rumenic acid (a fatty acid associated with cardiovascular and gut health) .16
Early research suggests that the digestion of bresaola proteins may release bioactive peptides (short chains of amino acids), though the specific health impacts of these compounds in humans require further study .3
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
32.4 g · 65% DV target
0.50 μg · 3% DV target
0.60 mg · 46% DV target
2.40 mg · 15% DV target
0.53 mg · 31% DV target
2.40 mg · 13% DV target
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Keep in original packaging or wrap tightly to prevent drying out.
As a beef product, it has a significant environmental footprint regarding land use and methane emissions.
Unlike most Italian salumi which are made from pork, bresaola is traditionally made from lean beef cuts like the top round, and its name may derive from the local term 'brasa' meaning embers, referring to the braziers once used to dry the meat.