Dam Say smoked meat fit for the king.

Smoked meat, also known as dried meat or cured meat, is a specialty dish of the Northwest region of Vietnam. It is usually made from the leg or loin of buffalo or pork, with the tendons removed and marinated with spices such as ginger, garlic, star anise, chili, and mắc khén (a type of spice) before being smoked over a fire.

If you have the chance to visit Ha Hoa district, a land rich in historical traditions with its relics and scenic spots, be sure to try the "royal" smoked meat from Dam Say, produced by Duc Chanh Agricultural Production and Trade Development Cooperative in Zone 6, Tu Hiep commune. Experience the chewy, sweet, and savory taste of the meat blended with the fragrant, spicy flavors of the spices. These two products, after five years of research and development of their own unique recipes, were certified as 3-star OCOP products of the district last October.

The smoked pork and buffalo meat products of Duc Chanh Agricultural Production and Trade Development Cooperative are available in many provinces and cities nationwide.

Dried buffalo and pork meat are mostly consumed during holidays, Tet (Lunar New Year), or when honored guests visit. As someone passionate about Northwest Vietnamese cuisine and with many years of experience in the tourism industry, Mr. Nguyen Trung Duc recognized the potential for these products and decided to bring this delicious highland delicacy to Phu Tho province. The Duc Chanh Agricultural Production and Trade Development Cooperative was established in 2022, with Mr. Nguyen Trung Duc as its director, with the desire to bring delicious mountain dishes to a wider audience in the lowlands, as well as to develop agricultural and food products to improve the quality of life for himself and the cooperative members.

Mr. Nguyen Trung Duc shared: “To produce delicious, high-quality dried meat, we need to select healthy buffalo and pigs raised in a traditional way. When preparing the meat, we choose cuts from the hindquarters with long fibers to minimize shrinkage during drying. In addition, the meat must have a clear origin and meet food safety and hygiene standards. Therefore, the cooperative has contracted with a licensed slaughterhouse in Gia Dien commune to import fresh buffalo and pork for processing. After being cut into large pieces, 3-4 cm thick, the meat is marinated with spices for about 5-6 hours, then hung over a wood-fired stove for about 2 days before being put into a vacuum-sealed machine for longer preservation, meeting the increasing demands of customers.”

Dam Say smoked meat products are packaged in 500-gram portions, labeled, and vacuum-sealed for easy preservation.

Each product is meticulously crafted and researched by the owner, ensuring quality and delicious flavor. Each strip of meat absorbs the heat of the fire, blends with the smoke from the kitchen fire, and dries, with spices permeating the meat fibers over time. The meat gradually shrinks, takes on a natural brown color, and its uniquely delicious flavor has made Dam Say's smoked pork, once considered a royal delicacy, a distinct OCOP product compared to other dishes in Ha Hoa. In the first six months of 2024 alone, the cooperative supplied nearly 900kg of smoked buffalo and pork to markets in Hanoi , Ho Chi Minh City, Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen, and other provinces and cities. Not only does it generate hundreds of millions of dong in profit annually, but the cooperative also provides regular employment for 5 local workers with incomes of 5-6 million dong per month.

After being marinated with spices, the meat is dried over a charcoal fire for about two days and nights until it gradually dries out.

Comrade Vu Anh Tuan - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tu Hiep commune, said: “Currently, many well-known units produce similar products with diverse designs and packaging, creating an extremely fierce competitive market. To establish a foothold in the market, gain a name and brand, the Dam Say royal-style smoked meat product, after being certified as meeting OCOP standards, must not only continue to improve quality but also build a strong sales system and brand development. Only then will it have the capacity to develop and expand the brand further and more strongly.”

Along with products like Hien Luong cassava cake, Van Lang green pumpkin tea, Dai Pham green pomelo, etc., the smoked buffalo and pork meat from Duc Chanh Agricultural Production and Trade Development Cooperative is not only a unique delicacy to treat diners but also a meaningful and unique gift to give to relatives and friends far away whenever they return to the beloved and hospitable countryside of Ha Hoa.

Son Lam

Source: https://baophutho.vn/thit-gac-bep-tien-vua-dam-say-222404.htm