Even those who aren’t particularly interested in food know that prosciutto is something special. Without a doubt, this is one of the most famous Italian cured meats in the world. For hundreds of years, people have loved it as a snack, in deli sandwiches, and on pizza.
We’ve decided to compile answers to the most Googled questions about prosciutto in one place. Find out what it is, the different kinds, and how to store it so it lasts a long time. You won’t have to go too far to find the answers you were (probably) looking for.
Yummy Bazaar is still committed to providing gourmet food to anyone who wants it. They keep a carefully chosen collection of Italian cured meats, including well-known brands like soppressata, guanciale, and, of course, prosciutto. Give it a try if you want to confirm it’s really that good.
Prosciutto is a traditional Italian meat product made from the pigs hind leg. In Italian, “prosciutto” doesn’t refer to a specific product; it just means “ham,” and people there use it a lot.
However, the rest of the world is more strict with the term. The product most people refer to as prosciutto is, in reality, Prosciutto Crudo, a dry-cured ham. But there’s another type of prosciutto popular in Italy, called Prosciutto Cotto, a cooked ham.
Non-Italian manufacturers often used to refer to prosciutto Cotto as Italian ham instead of prosciutto Cotto. That being said, things have begun to change as more and more people learn about the term.
Still, if you ask the average person what they think of when they hear the word “prosciutto,” they would say “prosciutto crudo.”
Parma ham, also known as prosciutto di Parma is considered one of the finest gourmet hams in the world. This specialty cured ham boasts a sweet delicate flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Produced exclusively in the Parma region of Italy, Parma ham undergoes an extensive salting and aging process, sometimes over 36 months, resulting in a ham that is full of umami depth.
Given its artisanal production and premium status, Parma ham doesn’t come cheap That’s why it’s important to store it properly to get the most out of your investment. Follow this complete guide to learn everything you need to know about how long Parma ham lasts and how to extend its shelf life
Overview of Parma Ham
Before diving into storage methods, let’s do a quick primer on what distinguishes Parma ham:
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Made solely in the Parma region of Italy under strict regulations. The Consortium of Parma Ham controls production and quality standards.
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Uses only pork legs from pigs raised in a designated area The pigs have a regulated diet
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Dry cured using just salt, air, and time for a minimum of 12 months up to over 3 years.
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Aged legs receive a fire brand marking them as authentic Parma ham.
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Distinguished by a balanced sweet and salty flavor with notes of hazelnut and butter.
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Hand sliced paper thin for serving. Often costs over $100 per pound.
How Long Can Parma Ham Be Left at Room Temperature?
One of the remarkable qualities of cured ham like Parma is its ability to be left out at room temperature without spoiling. However, the shelf life depends greatly on whether the ham is whole or sliced:
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Unsliced Parma Ham Leg: Can last 3 to 6 months unrefrigerated if stored properly in original packaging. The intact outer layer protects the inner meat.
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Sliced Parma Ham: Has a much shorter shelf life of just 4 to 7 days when kept sealed in the original packaging. Once opened, sliced Parma ham lasts only 2 to 3 days at room temp before drying out or spoiling.
Keep room temperature below 65°F and minimize temperature fluctuations. Refrigeration is still best for long term storage.
How Long Does Parma Ham Last in the Fridge?
While Parma ham’s curing gives it longevity at room temperature for a period, refrigeration is the ideal way to store it for maintaining optimal taste, texture and shelf life. Here is how long properly stored Parma ham lasts refrigerated:
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Unsliced Parma Leg in Cryovac Pack: 10 to 12 months from production date if kept sealed.
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Sliced Parma Ham in Cryovac: 2 to 3 months from slicing date.
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Deli Sliced Parma Ham: 3 to 5 days after purchase.
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After Opening Cryovac Package: 2 to 4 weeks for a whole leg, 3 to 5 days for sliced.
For best preservation, keep Parma ham stored in original packaging when possible until ready to use. Wrap tightly or use a sealed container after opening. Maintain a consistent refrigerator temperature of 35°F to 40°F. Use opened sliced packages within 2 weeks.
Does Parma Ham Expire? How to Read Package Dates
While cured meats don’t technically expire, Parma ham does have a limited window for optimal freshness and flavor. Whole legs in cryovac packaging will have a “use by” date indicating the end of recommended quality. Sliced packages have a much shorter use by date.
However, for unsliced hams, the date reflects when it was packaged, not necessarily when it expires. Properly stored whole Parma ham often lasts 2 to 4 months beyond the date on the packaging. Some even intentionally age it longer.
The curing process concentrates the ham’s flavors over time, so some connoisseurs seek out Parma legs aged over 24 months. Store them 3 to 6 months past the date on the package and enjoy intensified flavor notes!
Quick Tips for Storing Parma Ham
Follow these tips for optimally storing Parma ham:
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Keep whole legs sealed in original cryovac packaging until ready to slice and serve. Don’t open the packaging prematurely.
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Once sliced, immediately wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight storage container. Limit air exposure.
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Maintain refrigerator temperature between 35°F and 40°F. Consistent cool temperatures prevent drying out.
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Before serving sliced Parma ham, trim off any dried out portions exposed to air. This preserves freshness.
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Use sliced Parma ham within 2 weeks for optimal flavor and texture. It’s best added to dishes just before serving rather than letting it sit.
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When storing a partially used piece, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and an outer layer of foil. Remove discolored portions before use.
Proper refrigerated storage and minimal exposure to air will keep your Parma ham tasting irresistible. With the right storage, you can savor authentic Parma ham for months to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parma Ham Storage
Still have some questions about how to store Parma ham and maximize its longevity? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
How can you tell if Parma ham has gone bad?
Signs of spoiled Parma ham include mold growth, sliminess, off or rancid odors, and unnatural colors like gray, green or black. Discard any ham with these characteristics.
Can you eat Parma ham past the expiration date on the package?
As long as the cryovac package remains vacuum sealed and the ham has been properly refrigerated, it may retain quality for 2 – 4 weeks past the date. Use your senses to check for spoilage.
Does Parma ham need to be refrigerated or can it sit out?
Refrigeration is highly recommended, especially after opening the package. For short term room temperature storage, limit to 3-6 months for a whole leg and just 2-3 days for sliced.
How long can I store Parma ham in the fridge once sliced?
Store sliced Parma ham for no more than 2 weeks in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped. Use deli-sliced Parma ham within 3-5 days.
What happens if Parma ham freezes?
Never freeze Parma ham. The moisture expansion during freezing causes tissue breakdown and loss of quality upon thawing. Refrigeration is the only safe method.
Following proper storage methods allows you to enjoy the exquisite taste of Parma ham for months. With the right techniques, this gourmet delicacy will continue delighting your palette while avoiding waste. Buon Appetito!
Is It Okay to Freeze Prosciutto?
In theory, you can freeze prosciutto to lengthen its shelf life. Transfer to an air-tight container, and you can count on it lasting up to a year.
But most people in the business say not to because freezing and thawing will probably ruin the taste and texture. When prosciutto is thawed, it will never be as soft as it was before it was frozen, and most of the subtle flavors will be lost.
Anyway, prosciutto tastes better when it’s new, so it’s best to buy it in smaller amounts and eat it within a week of buying it.
Do You Cook Prosciutto?
Prosciutto doesn’t need to be cooked, but it can be added to soups, pasta, grilled sandwiches, and pizzas to make them more interesting. Pay close attention and don’t cook the prosciutto for more than a few minutes at a time. If you do, you’ll ruin the texture and flavor of the prosciutto. Around 5-10 minutes are enough. Cook in stages for dishes requiring more time, ex. add prosciutto to a soup only a few minutes before taking it off the heat.