Fall in love with Italian deli meats

Discover tantalizing Italian deli meat sandwiches and appetizers in the Photo gallery: Italian deli meats.

Prosciutto
What is prosciutto? 
Prosciutto is a dry cured ham that has been aged for 10 months in a series of temperature and humidity controlled rooms. These rooms match the classic seasons of Italy, starting in the cool and dry winter, the warmer and moister spring, aging over the long, warm dry summer and resting in the fall.

A prosciutto slowly becomes drier as it cures and ages.  This creates the true and intense flavour of the ham that can only be achieved with time and patience.

How to order prosciutto
You can purchase prosciutto in the pre-sliced section of the deli, or ask for it at the service counter. If ordering, ask for it to be sliced as thin as possible - it should be slightly transparent. Each slice is very flavourful, so only a few slices per person are required.

Entertaining tips for prosciutto
• Classic serving is with melon, cantaloupe or a fresh fig. The true Italian manner is to alternate bites between the prosciutto and fruit; but many enjoy wrapping the prosciutto around the fruit.

• As with all Italian specialty deli meats, be sure to let your meat warm to room temperature before serving. This allows the aroma to compliment the taste.

• The Milano is a classic baguette sandwich made with prosciutto, Bufala mozzarella, olive oil, arugula leaves and a few drops of balsamic vinegar. It brings together the buttery meat with the creaminess of bocconcini cheese and the slight bitterness of arugula. Drizzle a little olive oil and pepper to taste.

• An amazing alternate is to make mini grilled cheese sandwiches out of the Milano. The arugula can be replaced with fresh basil. The sandwich should only be lightly cooked; you want the prosciutto and cheese warm, but not overcooked or runny.

Canadian Living recipe with prosciutto: Spinach Salad with Crispy Feta and Frizzled Prosciutto