Capicola is a combination of ‘capo,’ which means ‘head’ and ‘collo,’ meaning ’neck.‘Capicola is also known as capicollo in Campania and Calabria and capicollu in Corsica. This part of the pig is special due to its fat ratio, as it has 30% total fat and 70% lean meat.Cured or processed foods have been around since the fifth century BC, and Capicola was first introduced in the era of the Magna Graecia colonies. The Magna Graecia were the areas near the coast of southern Italy that were colonized by the Greeks between the eighth and fifth centuries BC. The Greeks introduced the high-calorie and high in fat stuffed pork sausages. That’s how the love for these foods and pork recipes started in these areas, and it’s still prominent for large breed pigs and pork products.Pozole is one of the high-calorie recipes prepared with pork meat. Per the nutrition facts, a serving of 16.79 oz (476 gm) contains 476 calories, 1.02 oz (29 gm) of total fat, out of which 0.28 oz (8.2 gm) is saturated fat. This serving has high cholesterol values of around 0.003 oz (86 mg) and 1.02 oz (29 gm) of carbs. Pozole has extremely high sodium 0.07 oz (2030 mg) and potassium 0.02 oz (729 mg) values which might not be advisable for a daily diet. Although one pozole serving has 0.95 oz (27 gm) of protein and 0.26 0z (7.4 gm) of fiber, there is also 0.12 oz (3.6 gm) of sugar in it, which is unhealthy. Pozole is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C and rich in calcium and iron. The daily value of nutrition is based on a 2,000 calorie diet according to our daily calorie needs. Pozole and Hominy, when cooked together, contain high amounts of carbs, fat, calories, and protein.Menudo is also one of the pork stew recipes, is also a high-calorie diet with a high amount of saturated fat serving. One serving of 8.64 oz (245 gm) of this protein-rich and fat food has 0.28 oz (8 gm) of carbs, 0.10 oz (3 gm) of fiber, 0.03 oz (1 gm) of sugar, 0.42 oz (12 gm) of protein, 0.15 oz (4.5 gm) of fat, 3.52 oz (100 gm) of cholesterol, 0.05 oz (1.5 gm) of saturated fat, 3.17 oz (0.09 mg) of vitamin A, 0.16 oz (4.8 mg) of vitamin C, and a high daily value of sodium of 0.04 oz (1140 mg) which is very unhealthy. These daily value details are based upon a 2,000 calorie diet.Fun Facts About CapicolaThis high-calorie saturated fat food is a very mildly spiced serving. Let’s explore some more facts:The serving size cut from the pig is lightly seasoned with red or white wine, and various other spices like garlic, cinnamon, pepper, and herbs like fennel, coriander, paprika.Once the serving is marinated, it is then massaged with salt and refrigerated for a few weeks to let the spices and herbs infuse into the pork, and later, it’s washed with water and vinegar and pressed and wrapped with black pepper.Once the drying process is completed, curating this fat meat with high values of carbs, vitamins, proteins, and saturated fat begins. To curate, this high-calorie fat food is usually sheathed within a pig’s spiced diaphragm. This method holds the meat intact and prevents contamination throughout the process.The fascinating step of the curation process is the meat is hung for months to air/dry curate it.The salt content in this high cholesterol fat food plays an important role in initiating the evaporation that converts the protein and high-calorie food into dry meat where bacteria can no longer live.Numerous factors like temperature, humidity, and ensuring safety from bugs and other bacteria go into the dry-curing process. Nutritional Facts About CapicolaCapicola is undoubtedly delicious, diverse, and adds daily value to our calorie needs. Let’s explore some other nutritional facts.It’s a major source of immense values of vitamins, carbs, sodium, protein, and fat. This high-calorie food also has all the nine necessary amino acids essential for the maintenance and growth of our body.According to nutrition facts, a 0.42 oz (12 gm) serving size contains 41 calories, and the calories from its fat are around 29 calories. The total fat in this serving size is around 0.11 oz (3.2 gm), out of which the saturated fat is 0.03 oz (1.1 gm).Sodium and potassium content is 0.007 oz (214 mg) and 0.001 oz (39 mg), respectively. The total carbs present in a 0.42 oz (12 gm) fat slice is 0.01 oz (0.3 gm). The amount of protein available in this meat per serving is 0.09 oz (2.7 gm), and iron and calcium are around 0.1% and 1.1%, respectively.A 0.98 oz (28 gm) of this fat and calorie food serving size comprises 0.28 oz (8 gm) of protein, 80 calories, 0.17 oz (5 gm) fat, one quantity of carbs, and an extraordinary 19.04 oz (540 gm) of salt.The above values are based upon a 2,000 calorie diet. Capicola is low in carbs and high in protein and vitamin values meat. This high cholesterol and saturated fat food have no sugar in it.Capicola is a good source of thiamine, niacin, iron, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, selenium, choline, vitamin B6, vitamin B1, vitamin D, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, and vitamin B12. All cured meats contain huge amounts of salt, and Capicola is no exception.Boars Head, a New York-based 115-year-old company, makes hot Capicola with no sugar, less sodium, fewer calories, gluten, and lactose-free, retaining its carbs, vitamin, and other nutritional values. The Health Benefits Of CapicolaPer general nutrition advice, Capicola is one of the protein-rich foods. Let’s learn more about the health benefits.It is an important nutrient for athletes undergoing a high amount of training and those recovering from illness when protein is especially important.This food is easy to cook, requires no preparation, and is loaded with numerous nutritional values and B vitamins. The selenium content in this food is an important nutrient that produces DNA and strengthens the immune system.Capicola is a prime source of B vitamins, especially vitamin B12. B vitamin has many effective uses like producing energy, synthesizing and repairing DNA, and producing various neurochemicals necessary for the brain.When consumed, nitrite and sodium nitrate are present in this protein, and vitamin-rich meat converts into nitric oxide. It improves the immune system, helps dilate and restrict the blood vessels, keeps blood pressure under control, and improves heart health.Disadvantages Of Eating CapicolaLet’s consider the disadvantages of capicola.Processed foods constitute high sodium nitrite and protein, and when these two are exposed to high heat form nitrosamines which increase the risk of cancer.Though Capicola is tasty, requires no cooking, and has high nutrition values, there are disadvantages of eating this kind of high-calorie and high cholesterol food in our daily diet.According to general nutrition advice, people should not consume an excessive amount of this high fat and high calories food. Optimally, we should not be taking more than 0.05 oz (1,500 mg) sodium per day.Since this high cholesterol fast food, contains a huge amount of sodium, we should have it in a moderate quantity as per the calorie needs of our body, to avoid the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.
Capicola is a combination of ‘capo,’ which means ‘head’ and ‘collo,’ meaning ’neck.’
