One of the best parts of being a salami lover is the fact that there are so many different types of salami to choose from. There are hundreds of denominations of salami hailing from every region of the world, with even more unique variations being created each day. That means you could spend your entire life touring the world one salami at a time and still never get to try them all!
Before you decide to set off on a stomach-searching adventure, it’s important to know the true definition of salami.The word salami has been around for centuries and is derived from the singular Italian word “salume”, which refers to all types of salted meat. If you ever find yourself in a “salami” vs. “salume” debate, just know that you’re actually both right!
The three main components that set different types of salami apart are the ingredients, how the meat is cut and the way it is prepared. Some salamis use a blend of spices to create complex flavors, while others are a bit simpler. Although, what they lack in ingredients, they make up for in preparation.
Salami is quite the versatile meat: its delicious as part of an appetizer spread alongside bread and cheese, tossed in a chopped salad, layered atop pizza, or crisped up into salami chips. But with so many varieties, its easy to get confused by the salami section in your market or the list of options at a restaurant. Weve got you covered.
All salami is made from a combination of uncooked ground meat, spices, wine, and garlic, which is then dried and cured. It develops a fine, white mold on the outside during the curing process, much like the coating on brie cheese, which is usually edible. But beyond that, there is tons of variation in this tasty, salty delicacy. Here are some of the most common varieties, explained.
The three main components that set different types of salami apart are the ingredients, how the meat is cut and the way it is prepared. Some salamis use a blend of spices to create complex flavors, while others are a bit simpler. Although, what they lack in ingredients, they make up for in preparation.
Pepperoni is one of the only Italian cured meats that’s actually an American-borne phenomenon. Thought to have grown to popularity in Italian-American butcher shops in the early 1900s, pepperoni is the most prominent pizza topping in the US, making an appearance on at least 35% of all pizza orders. As a salami, pepperoni stands out for its signature smoky and sweet flavor.
Sopressata was created in Italy and now beloved in the United States. Sopressata is a simple salami that comes in both a mild and spicy version, using cracked black peppercorns for a mild taste and crushed Calabrian red pepper flakes for a spicy take. The pork is ground with certain spices dependent on local traditions and is then encased and hung up to dry. The end result is a wonderfully smooth texture and extraordinary bold flavor.
Before you decide to set off on a stomach-searching adventure, it’s important to know the true definition of salami.The word salami has been around for centuries and is derived from the singular Italian word “salume”, which refers to all types of salted meat. If you ever find yourself in a “salami” vs. “salume” debate, just know that you’re actually both right!
Peppered Salami is a finely ground salami that is encased in black pepper to create a bold, pepper-rich finish. The pepper lends a spicy flavor to the salami and it is best enjoyed sliced on a charcuterie board or an Italian sandwich. Pair them with your favorite cheeses and Chianti wine for a perfectly delicious meal.
Hard “Cotto” Salami
FAQ
What is the difference between cotto salami and hard salami?
What is a cotto salami?
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