The Absolute Best Way To Eat Prosciutto

Whether you've seen prosciutto on a charcuterie board or at the deli counter, you may not be aware that there is a correct way to eat Italian ham. We're here to teach you what you need to know, but first, what is prosciutto?

The word prosciutto simply translates to ham in the Italian language, explains Parma Crown. Prosciutto takes a massive amount of time to make – it must age and dry during the curing process and may take up to three years to completely cure. The Italian ham is salty, savory, and delicious! According to Master Class, there are seven types of prosciutto. Some are air dried, while others are cooked, cured in wine, or seasoned with herbs to elevate flavor during the curing process.

Even though prosciutto is a salty ham, it contains several health benefits. Live Strong says that the Italian ham contains many B vitamins, including thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin, which are responsible for forming red blood cells and energy production.

According to Eataly, to indulge in the rich flavor of prosciutto, it must be served in paper-thin slices. To eat prosciutto correctly, you must allow the fat of the ham to melt on your tongue. It will coat your palette as you proceed to enjoy the leaner parts of the meat. The thin pieces are sweet, salty, and full of flavor.

The best quality prosciutto comes from Italy, and anything made outside of Italy isn't authentic, notes The Chopping Block. Ask the butcher at the deli counter to slice the fresh prosciutto into ultra-thin slices. Pre-packaged prosciutto is often tough and dry, so opt for fresh-cut meat when available.

Eataly also says there are many ways to pair prosciutto if you're craving a taste variety. Figs, cantaloupe, fresh basil, or sweet pears wrapped around the savory Italian ham enhances the meat's flavor. Drizzle prosciutto with olive oil to make a crunchy bruschetta, tuck it inside a baguette sandwich with veggies or skewer prosciutto with mozzarella slices, basil, and tomato. However you dice, slice, or wrap it, prosciutto makes everything Perfetto!