It was traditionally made from parts of the pig, offal such as heart, lungs and tongue, that wouldn’t be used for other sausages. Because offal was used, the sausage would start being made right away as soon as the pig was slaughtered so that the taste of the offal would be at its freshest.
The offal is boiled for a few hours, then chopped up, seasoned and spiced. Spices used include cloves, star anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, fennel, and garlic. Then, pig’s blood is added. The exact ingredients and proportions can vary by taste and family. It is then formed into a sausage, using the pig’s bladder or stomach as casing.
The sausage is simmered for about 4 hours, then let cool, with weights on top to press out the fat. It can be preserved in lard for 5 to 6 months, or eaten fresh within 8 to 10 days.
Biroldo made in Garfagnana, Lucca, Tuscany differs from that made in the rest of the province of Lucca in that in Garfagnana the head is also used. This Biroldo made in Garfagnana is sometimes called Biroldo della Versilia, named after the Versilian Riviera, which is the strip of Tuscan coast starting at Forte dei Marmi in Lucca and stretching down 20 km south to Torre del Lago Puccini. The Garfagnana mountain range is in the Tuscan province of Lucca. The cities of Barga and Castelnuovo are in it.
Garfagnana Biroldo is not really exported, even out of the area: almost all produced (90%) is eaten right in Garfagnana.
In Pistoia, Tuscany, a sweeter version uses pine nuts, sultanta’s and pig’s blood. For their savoury version, the Pistoians use calf’s blood, and cheese.
Cooking Tips
It can be used as a cold cut served in slices, or as an ingredient in dishes.
Language Notes
Called “sanguinaccio” in other parts of Italy.