Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham that is usually thinly sliced and served as an appetizer. It is made from the hind leg of a pig or a wild boar, and the meat is cured for about two months.
The flavor of prosciutto is salty and slightly sweet, with a hint of spice. The texture of the meat is firm but tender. It is a traditional Italian dish that has been made for centuries.
What is Prosciutto?
Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham that is usually thinly sliced and served uncooked. It is made from the hind leg of a pig or wild boar and is cured for several months in a combination of salt, sugar, and spices. Prosciutto has a deep red color and a rich, salty flavor.
It is often used as an appetizer, wrapped around melon or cantaloupe, or added to salads. It can also be cooked and used in main dishes. Prosciutto is high in protein and fat, and should be consumed in moderation.
History of Prosciutto
The history of prosciutto can be traced back to the Roman Empire. At that time, it was known as prunum ham and was a delicacy reserved for the wealthy. Prosciutto became more widely available during the Middle Ages, when it was introduced to Italy by the Lombards.
By the 14th century, it had become a staple in Italian cuisine.
Today, prosciutto is produced in many countries around the world, including Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the United States.
Glossary of Italian Food Terms You Should Know
What Does Prosciutto Taste Like?
Prosciutto is typically thinly sliced and served uncooked. It has a salty, slightly sweet taste with a hint of smokiness. And because it is thin sliced, it has a texture that melts in your mouth and this is why people love it so much!
Note: Anything that is dry cured (e.g. Pastrami) will tend to have a saltier flavor due to the “curing” process.
How is Prosciutto Made?
Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham so the process starts with a fresh ham that is rubbed with a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices. This curing process can take anywhere from two weeks to several months, depending on the size of the ham and the desired level of saltiness.
Once the curing process is complete, the ham is then typically air-dried for several months.
Once it is properly dried, prosciutto can be stored for up to a year.
How Prosciutto Is Made In Italy
This video is an exploration of an Italian Factoria where nearly 2,000 legs of prosciutto are produced and cured each week. Italy is the perfect place to enjoy this amazing delicacy. Watch this episode to get a taste of traditional Italian prosciutto!
How to Eat Prosciutto
Because it is typically fairly salty, most people do not eat it by itself. It is common to enjoy it as part of an antipasti tray or appetizer where you will often find it wrapped around a piece of cheese or fruit like a melon. The cheese and/or fruit help to balance the flavor profiles out and make for a tasty snack that is salty, sweet and creamy!
The Different Types of Prosciutto
There are many different types of prosciutto, each with its own distinct flavor and texture. The most common type of prosciutto is Prosciutto di Parma, which is made from the hind leg of a pig and cured for at least 12 months.
Prosciutto di San Daniele is another popular type of prosciutto, which is made from the front leg of a pig and cured for at least 18 months. Both of these types of prosciutto are typically served thinly sliced and uncooked.
Other less common types of prosciutto include Prosciutto Toscano, which is made from the hind leg of a wild boar, and Prosciutto di Modena, which is made from the front leg of a pig.
How Long Does Prosciutto Last?
If you’re lucky enough to have a slice of prosciutto, you might be wondering how long it will last. The answer unfortunately is not very long. Once sliced, prosciutto should be eaten within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and quality. After that, it will start to dry out and lose its deliciousness.
So if you do have some prosciutto, make sure to enjoy it while it’s still at its best! Try pairing it with some melon or figs for a truly decadent treat. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try wrapping it around asparagus or dates? There are endless possibilities when it comes to this delicious cured meat.
How Do You Pronounce Prosciutto?
One thing that people often ask me is exactly how do you pronounce prosciutto.
While the word “prosciutto” may look complicated, it’s actually quite easy to pronounce.
Prah-SHOO-toh – The first syllable is pronounced like the word “pray.”
The second syllable is like the word “shoe.” And the third syllable is pronounced like the letter “t.”
All together, it sounds like Prah-SHOO-toh.
Prosciutto Summary
In conclusion, prosciutto is a delicious and versatile food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is perfect for a quick snack or a luxurious meal, and can be paired with a variety of different foods.
If you haven’t tried prosciutto yet, what are you waiting for? Be sure to try some on your next visit to an Italian deli!
Prosciutto Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What cheese goes with prosciutto?
When it comes to finding the perfect cheese to pair with prosciutto, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is that you want a cheese that is strong enough to stand up to the salty, savory flavor of prosciutto. That means no delicate, mild cheeses for us!
Second is that you want a cheese with a bit of sweetness to balance out the saltiness of the meat.
And finally, you want a cheese that will melt well, so it can be easily spread on bread or crackers.
Here are a few of our favorite cheeses to pair with prosciutto:
- Gorgonzola: This Italian blue cheese has a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with Prosciutto di Parma. It also melts beautifully, making it ideal for spreading on bread or crackers.
- Mozzarella or Brie: If you want a more mellow flavor, these are good options.
Can you eat prosciutto when pregnant?
Although it is safe for most people to eat prosciutto, pregnant women should avoid it because of the risk of Listeria infection. Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Pregnant women are especially susceptible to Listeria infection, which can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery. Be sure to discuss this with your medical professional or obstetrician.
My name is Jay and I started this website to share my love of Deli Food. I am Jewish with Italian ancestry and grandparents who emigrated to the US from Poland, Russia and Turkey. This website is my celebration of the delicious flavors of international deli culture. Please feel free to send me your suggestions and feedback through the contact form.
