Norcineria Umbra: Mazzafegati Dolci e Salati
Norcia, Umbria
Mazzafegati are the sweet-savoury fresh liver sausages unique to Norcia and the Valnerina — the heartland of Umbrian butchery. Pork liver, lard, pine nuts, raisins soaked in Sagrantino, orange zest, and sugar make the sweet version (dolci); the savoury version (salati) uses liver, lard, garlic, and chilli only. Both are fresh sausages eaten within days, griddled or roasted in a wood-fired oven. The sweet-savoury liver sausage tradition predates the dominance of salt-only charcuterie.