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La Quercia

Iowa's American prosciutto producer. The most respected US dry-cured operation; long-aged Berkshire and heritage-breed work.

Location
Norwalk, United States
Founded
2005
Founder
Herb and Kathy Eckhouse
Price tier
Premium
Sourcing
Heritage breed · Whole-animal · Direct relationships
Affiliate
Affiliate pending

Founded 2005 by Herb and Kathy Eckhouse in Norwalk, Iowa, after the Eckhouses lived in Parma and learned the prosciutto trade. La Quercia ("the oak," referring to Iowa's acorn-fed pork tradition) is the producer that proved American charcuterie could meet European standards — long-aged prosciutto from Berkshire and heritage-cross pork that legitimately competes with mid-tier Parma. The full line covers prosciutto americano, speck, coppa, guanciale, and pancetta.

Pricing is premium but justified by sourcing (named-farm heritage pork) and aging (12-30+ months for prosciutto). Distribution through specialty grocery (Whole Foods premium counter), online (Eataly, La Quercia direct), and restaurant supply.

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Meat focus

American ProsciuttoSpeckCoppaHeritage Breed
Editorial note
The reference American dry-cured producer. "Acornseekers" Iberian-cross pork line is uniquely American Iberico-style.

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