Neapolitan Meat Cuts
Traditional Names in Neapolitan and English
In Naples, meat cuts are not only culinary terms.
They are part of a living language spoken in homes, butcher shops, markets, and family kitchens for generations.
Many traditional Neapolitan recipes use names that are difficult to translate directly into standard Italian or English because they belong to a popular culinary culture developed long before modern butchery classifications.
This section helps international readers understand the traditional names commonly used in Neapolitan cooking.
| Neapolitan Name | Italian Name | English Approximation | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carne ‘a zzuppa | Muscolo / Biancostato | Beef shank / soup beef | Ragù, soups |
| Locena | Scamone | Rump / sirloin | Slices, roasting |
| Punta ‘e natica | Punta di petto | Brisket point | Ragù, slow cooking |
| Gallinella | Campanello | Heel muscle / shank | Ragù |
| Tracchie | Costine di maiale | Pork ribs | Ragù |
| Cotica | Cotenna | Pork rind | Beans, ragù |
| Cervellata | Salsiccia napoletana | Neapolitan sausage | Frying, ragù |
| Musillo | Muscolo | Beef muscle | Broths, sauces |
| Per e muss | Piede e muso | Pig’s foot and snout | Street food |
| Coratella | Interiora | Offal / organ meat | Rustic dishes |
| Animelle | Animelle | Sweetbreads | Festive dishes |
| O’ lacierto | Lacerto | Eye round | Braising |
| Braciole | Involtini di carne | Beef rolls | Ragù |
| Polpa ‘e spalla | Polpa di spalla | Shoulder meat | Stews |
| ‘A noce | Noce | Knuckle / round | Cutlets |
| Tenerumi | Parti tenere della carne | Tender cuts | Quick cooking |
| Zuffritto | Zoffritto napoletano | Spicy pork offal stew | Traditional poor cuisine |
A Living Culinary Language
Traditional Neapolitan cuisine developed around:
- slow cooking
- inexpensive cuts
- full use of the animal
- family economy
- flavor extracted through time rather than luxury ingredients
For this reason, many recipes depend more on the correct cut of meat than on elaborate preparation.
Understanding these traditional names means understanding the real foundations of Neapolitan home cooking.