Olympia Provisions Landrauchschinken, also known as Swiss Country Ham, stands out as a sweet and savory masterpiece in the charcuterie company’s extraordinary collection of handcrafted meats. This unique smoked ham embodies a dedication to traditional methods and exceptional flavor that defines Olympia Provisions’ reputation.
Today, we’re diving deep into the world of artisanal meats, a culinary journey that promises rich flavors and unparalleled craftsmanship. While we celebrate the exquisite offerings of Olympia Provisions, we understand that not everyone’s palate gravitates towards meat. For our valued vegan and vegetarian friends, we warmly invite you to explore some delightful alternatives:
Discover the refreshing taste of this Easy Vegan Frozen Cheesecake, indulge in the creamy goodness of this Silky Avocado Vegan Chocolate Mousse, expand your culinary knowledge with insights into vegan food & wine pairings in Portland, or plan your next gastronomic adventure by checking out my favorite vegan restaurant, Farm Spirit, for a memorable plant-based dining experience in the city.
But for those ready to embrace the art of charcuterie, let’s talk meat – and specifically, the remarkable offerings from Olympia Provisions.
Olympia Provisions: A Standard of Excellence in Charcuterie
Portland, Oregon, is renowned globally as a hub for handcrafted goods. From meticulously brewed beers and artisanal wines to custom furniture and bespoke bicycles, the city celebrates an ethos of quality and dedication. This spirit extends profoundly into its culinary scene, where charcuterie has evolved from a niche offering to a celebrated art form. Yet, the level of care and precision dedicated to this craft varies greatly. At the forefront of this tradition in the Pacific Northwest stands Olympia Provisions, a company that has redefined American charcuterie.
Established in 2009, Olympia Provisions (often affectionately referred to as OP) marked a significant milestone in American food production. It proudly opened its doors as the first USDA-approved salumeria in the United States. This designation isn’t just a label; it signifies an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality, hygiene, and traditional curing methods, allowing them to legally produce and sell dry-cured meats nationwide.
At the heart of their philosophy is the sourcing of ingredients. Olympia Provisions exclusively uses 100% antibiotic-free Pacific Northwest pork, ensuring both ethical treatment of animals and superior meat quality. Their approach to charcuterie is deeply rooted in patience and natural processes. All cured meats are aged slowly and naturally, without any shortcuts like irradiation, cooking, or hot-incubation. This meticulous, thoughtful attention to detail is not just a part of their process; it is everything at Olympia Provisions, and the exceptional flavor and texture of their products serve as a testament to this philosophy.
The vision behind Olympia Provisions is largely attributed to its charismatic Head Salumist and Co-Owner, Elias Cairo. Pictured above, Cairo’s journey into the world of charcuterie began in his childhood, where he cultivated an early appreciation for the craft, learning from his father’s homemade charcuterie traditions. His passion deepened considerably when he undertook an apprenticeship in Switzerland during his younger years. It was there, amidst the alpine traditions and meticulous techniques, that he gained a profound understanding and respect for the time-honored patience and precision required to craft truly delicious and high-quality charcuterie. This invaluable experience formed the bedrock of Olympia Provisions’ commitment to authenticity and artisanal excellence.
Today, Olympia Provisions operates a thriving network of culinary establishments. This includes two full-service Olympia Provisions restaurants, offering a sophisticated dining experience focused on their exceptional meats, alongside three more casual OP Wurst locations, celebrated for their gourmet sausages and relaxed atmosphere. These locations serve as vibrant showcases for their products and a testament to their growing influence in the culinary landscape.
Beyond their restaurants, Olympia Provisions extends its reach by offering a vast and continuously expanding selection of premium salami, deli meats, pâté, and other specialty items. Consumers can find these artisanal products not only within their own dining establishments but also in discerning grocery stores, bustling local markets, and upscale specialty shops across the country. This widespread availability ensures that more people can experience the unparalleled quality that Olympia Provisions brings to the table.
Driven by an unyielding passion for his craft, Elias Cairo consistently seeks to innovate and introduce new, exceptional products to the Olympia Provisions line. It was this spirit of innovation, coupled with a nostalgic nod to his formative years spent in Switzerland, that led to the recent and highly anticipated addition of a truly special item: the Swiss Country Smoked Ham, known as Landrauchschinken. This product encapsulates Cairo’s journey and Olympia Provisions’ commitment to authentic, world-class charcuterie.
Introducing Olympia Provisions Landrauchschinken: A Ham Reimagined
Olympia Provisions Landrauchschinken is far more than just “everyday ham”; it is a culinary experience crafted with precision and deep respect for tradition. This exquisite Swiss Country Ham begins its journey with premium pork loins, which undergo an extensive 18-day curing process. This initial phase sets the foundation for its complex flavor profile. Following the cure, the loins are gently bathed in a carefully prepared solution of burnt sugar, a step that imparts a subtle yet distinctive sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelized hue.
The flavor infusion doesn’t stop there. The ham is then delicately seasoned with aromatic juniper and earthy rosemary, spices carefully chosen to complement and enhance the natural flavors of the pork. Finally, Landrauchschinken is slowly smoked over a combination of apple and hickory wood. This dual-wood smoking process lends a nuanced, robust smokiness that is both rich and perfectly balanced, avoiding any harshness. The cumulative result of these meticulous steps is an incredibly tender, intensely flavorful ham that delights with a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes in every single bite. It’s a true testament to the artistry of traditional charcuterie.
Versatile Culinary Applications for Landrauchschinken
The versatility of Olympia Provisions Landrauchschinken is truly remarkable, making it a star ingredient in a wide array of culinary creations. We had the distinct pleasure of experiencing many inventive applications during a recent media lunch, specifically orchestrated to celebrate the launch of this tantalizing new smoked ham. Here’s a glimpse into the many delightful ways Landrauchschinken can elevate a dish:
The Classic Ham Board: A sophisticated charcuterie board presented Landrauchschinken alongside other Olympia Provisions delights such as Capicola and Sweetheart ham. This elegant presentation allowed the distinct flavors of each meat to shine, offering a perfect start to any gathering. The Landrauchschinken, with its sweet and smoky notes, proved to be an exceptional centerpiece, pairing beautifully with cheeses, crackers, and a fine wine.
Innovative Landrauchschinken Dumplings: These delicate parcels were a revelation. Seared pear, fresh kale sprouts, and a vibrant orange butter sauce accompanied the flavorful Landrauchschinken-filled dumplings. The combination of savory ham with the sweetness of pear and the citrusy brightness of the butter created a surprisingly harmonious and incredibly delicious appetizer, showcasing the ham’s adaptability beyond traditional applications.
The Decadent Crispy Pork Roulade: This dish was a true showstopper. Featuring a succulent Crispy Pork Roulade generously filled with Landrauchschinken and melted raclette cheese, it was served alongside a hearty root vegetable rosti and perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts. The crispy exterior of the roulade, yielding to a melty, cheesy, and savory ham center, created a texture and flavor explosion that was utterly unforgettable. This is truly a dish I aspire to recreate in my own kitchen!
And for a final, unexpected twist, we were treated to an astonishing dessert that brilliantly incorporated Landrauchschinken.
The Unforgettable Apple Tart with Landrauchschinken: This dessert was nothing short of miraculous. An apple tart, expertly prepared, was served with juniper and rosemary caramel ribbon ice cream – and yes, infused with Landrauchschinken. The surprising savory notes of the ham perfectly balanced the sweetness of the apple and caramel, while the herbal ice cream added an extraordinary layer of complexity. Friends, this was an absolutely phenomenal culinary creation, demonstrating the ham’s versatility in the most unexpected and delightful way. It was certainly a memorable dairy indulgence for the week!
Immense gratitude goes to Executive Chef Eric Joppie and Pastry Chef Mandy Groom for their truly inventive and utterly delicious creations. Each dish meticulously highlighted the nuanced sweetness and delicate spices inherent in Landrauchschinken, presenting them in the most clever and appealing ways. Their culinary genius transformed a simple smoked ham into an ingredient capable of inspiring gourmet masterpieces across the entire menu.
For those who might feel daunted by these gourmet presentations, it’s important to remember that enjoying this exquisite Swiss Country Smoked Ham doesn’t always require complex preparations. It is perfectly acceptable – and indeed, highly recommended – to savor Landrauchschinken simply on its own, paired with a selection of fine cheeses, crisp crackers, and a complementary wine. In fact, this is precisely how I have personally enjoyed it on numerous occasions! Its rich flavor profile also makes it an extraordinary addition to a humble, yet satisfying, everyday sandwich, transforming a routine meal into something special.
Ready to experience the exceptional taste of Olympia Provisions Landrauchschinken for yourself? You can purchase this premium smoked ham at any of Olympia Provisions’ restaurant locations, in select gourmet stores nationwide, and conveniently online directly from their website, ensuring access to this culinary gem wherever you are.
Where to Experience Olympia Provisions
Whether you’re looking for a refined dining experience or a casual stop for gourmet sausages, Olympia Provisions offers several locations where you can savor their renowned products and culinary expertise in the Portland area.
Olympia Provisions Restaurant Locations:
Northwest – 1632 NW Thurman, Portland, OR 97209
Southeast – 107 SE Washington, Portland, OR 97214
OP Wurst Locations for Casual Fare:
Pine Street Market – 126 SE 2nd, Portland, OR 97204
OP Wurst Sausage Bar – 3384 SE Division Street, Portland, OR 97202
OP Wurst at Oregon City Brewing – 1401 Washington Street, Oregon City, OR 97045
For detailed contact information, comprehensive menus, and current operating hours for each specific location, please visit the official Olympia Provisions website. Plan your visit and immerse yourself in the world of artisanal charcuterie.
Which of these inventive dishes featuring Olympia Provisions Landrauchschinken has captured your imagination the most? We’d love to hear your thoughts on how you’d enjoy this exquisite ham!
Bonus Recommendation: Olympia Provisions Pepperettes
It would be remiss to discuss the excellence of Olympia Provisions without shining a light on their incredibly popular and practical Pepperettes, prominently featured above. These delightful mini snack sticks have become an indispensable staple for many, including myself, particularly during wine tasting excursions. Priced affordably at around $5 per pack, their compact size and, crucially, their ability to be stored without refrigeration make them the ultimate companion for a variety of activities.
Pepperettes are perfectly suited for everything from adventurous camping trips where space and refrigeration are limited, to leisurely, sun-drenched days exploring the picturesque Oregon Wine Country. Their robust flavor and convenient format offer a quick, satisfying protein boost that’s easy to pack and enjoy on the go. They embody Olympia Provisions’ dedication to creating high-quality, accessible charcuterie for every occasion.
This comprehensive review was made possible by an exclusive invitation from Olympia Provisions to a media lunch celebrating the launch of their exquisite new product. I extend my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to experience their culinary artistry firsthand. As always, all opinions expressed and photographs shared within this article are entirely my own. I am genuinely captivated by Landrauchschinken – and indeed, by every single Olympia Provisions product I have had the pleasure of tasting so far – and I am confident that you, too, will find yourself utterly enamored with their exceptional offerings!