Salsiccia (Marche)

Salsiccia is a term often used as a universal name for different varieties of fresh Italian sausages made with minced or ground meat flavored with spices and stuffed in a natural casing. They are produced all over Italy, but the region of Marche is especially renowned for their pork liver sausages, recognized as traditional Italian agricultural products: salsiccia di fegato and mazzafegato, also known as salsiccia matta, or the mad sausage. Salsiccia di fegato is a very soft, creamy delicacy best enjoyed as an appetizer, spread over slices of toasted bread, while mazzafegato has a strong flavor and is usually served as a hearty secondo piatto, grilled or baked in the oven, accompanied by a glass of a robust red wine.