Quick Answer
Prosciutto is best stored in the refrigerator after opening to maintain freshness and quality. However, when sealed and unopened, prosciutto can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 months. Once opened, keep refrigerated and use within 3-4 weeks.
What is Prosciutto?
Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham that is usually sliced very thinly and served uncooked. It originated in Italy and is made by curing a pork leg with salt, possibly spices, and then air drying it for months or years. This process concentrates the flavors and preserves the meat.
There are a few main types of prosciutto:
- Prosciutto di Parma – From the Parma region of Italy. Has a Protected Designation of Origin.
- Prosciutto di San Daniele – From the San Daniele region of Italy.
- Prosciutto Toscano – From Tuscany.
- Prosciutto Cotto – Cooked prosciutto.
The most prized and well-known type is Prosciutto di Parma which follows strict production methods. The pigs are fed a diet of whey from Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese production.
How is Prosciutto Made?
There are several steps in traditional prosciutto production:
- Salting – The fresh ham is trimmed of excess fat, salted, and left for about 1 month. This draws out moisture.
- Resting – The ham is rinsed to remove salt and left to rest for about 2 months. This allows the salt to evenly distribute through the meat.
- Drying – The ham is hung in a temperature and humidity controlled room for 12-36 months to slowly air dry. This concentrates the flavors.
- Aging – Prosciutti destined for longer aging are stamped with the producer’s mark and moved to cooler cellars for 6-24 more months.
The entire process takes anywhere from 400 days up to 4 years depending on the prosciutto. This long, slow curing gives the meat its characteristic sweetness and tender texture.
How to Store Unopened Prosciutto
Prosciutto that is still sealed in its original packaging can be kept at room temperature. Here are some guidelines for storage:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light.
- Keep the packaging intact to prevent drying out.
- An unopened whole prosciutto ham can be kept for 2-3 months at room temperature.
- Unopened sliced prosciutto packs will keep for 2 months.
- If storing for a longer period, the refrigerator is preferred.
Prosciutto packs often come with best-by dates to follow. But quality should remain if properly stored unopened.
How to Refrigerate Unopened Prosciutto
While room temperature storage works for short term, refrigeration is best for long term storage or hot climates:
- Wrap the ham or package tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place in a resealable plastic bag if needed to prevent drying out.
- Store in the back of the fridge away from high traffic areas.
- An unopened whole ham can keep for 3-6 months in the fridge.
- Sliced packs can be refrigerated for 4-8 weeks until opening.
The cold environment of the refrigerator will slow down any moisture loss and oxidation, helping the prosciutto last longer.
How to Store Opened Prosciutto
Once opened, prosciutto needs to be handled more carefully. Here are some tips for keeping it fresh:
- Keep all sliced prosciutto refrigerated immediately after opening.
- Use an airtight container, zip top bag, or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Make sure no air is exposed to the surface. Air causes drying.
- Only slice off what you plan to eat within a few days.
- Use within 3-4 weeks for best quality and flavor.
Open prosciutto has a shorter shelf life. The exposed surfaces are more prone to moisture loss and spoilage. Refrigeration prevents deterioration.
How to Recognize Bad Prosciutto
Here are some signs that opened prosciutto has gone bad:
- Dry, hard texture
- Off smell
- Grayish or dull color
- White or green mold spots
- Rancid taste
- Very slimy
Quality prosciutto should still be a deep red color and be sliceable. Discard any that shows signs of spoilage.
What Temperature to Refrigerate Prosciutto?
Prosciutto should be kept refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or lower. These temperatures help slow down bacteria growth and oxidation. The ideal conditions:
- Fridge temperature between 36°-40°F.
- Deli meats drawer around 36°F.
- Bottom shelf tends to be most stable temperature.
It’s fine for brief periods if the fridge rises above 40°F, such as opening the door frequently. Just ensure it doesn’t get warmer than 45°F for more than 2 hours.
Can You Freeze Prosciutto?
Freezing is an option for longer term storage of unopened prosciutto. Here are some freezing guidelines:
- Freeze before expiration date for best quality.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Place in air-tight freezer bag or container.
- Freeze whole ham for 4-6 months.
- Freeze sliced packs for 1-2 months.
- Thaw in fridge overnight before use.
Freezing prevents further drying out. But thawed prosciutto may have some texture differences. The slices may not be as supple.
Tips for Freezing Prosciutto
- Double wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Remove as much air as possible.
- Freeze quickly at 0°F or below.
- Avoid refreezing thawed prosciutto.
- Label package with date frozen.
How to Serve Prosciutto
Prosciutto is very versatile and can be served in many ways:
- Slice very thinly and eat as is.
- Wrap around breadsticks, melon, or figs.
- Add to sandwiches, pizza, pasta, salads.
- Bake on top of chicken, seafood, vegetables.
- Roll up with cheeses.
- Chop up and add to omelets, risottos, etc.
Prosciutto pairs well with fruits like melon and figs. The sweetness counters the saltiness. It also goes great with cheeses, vegetables, eggs, and seafood.
Serving Tips
- Bring to room temperature before eating for best flavor.
- Slice against the grain for tender bites.
- Arrange artfully on a charcuterie platter.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Discard uneaten portions after serving.
Nutrition Facts of Prosciutto
Here is the nutrition breakdown for a 1 ounce serving of prosciutto:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 40 |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
Prosciutto is low in fat and carbohydrates. The majority of calories come from protein. However, it does contain a high amount of sodium due to the salt curing.
Health Benefits
Here are some of the health benefits of prosciutto:
- High in protein – builds muscle and repairs tissues.
- Contains vitamins B6, B12, niacin.
- Source of selenium and choline.
- Rich in zinc – boosts immunity.
- Low carbohydrate and fat content.
As part of a balanced diet, prosciutto can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and protein. However, the sodium content should be accounted for.
Common Questions
Is it safe to eat prosciutto while pregnant?
It’s best to avoid prosciutto and other deli meats during pregnancy due to the risk of listeria, a type of bacteria that can cause severe illness. Pregnant women have weakened immune systems that make them more vulnerable to listeriosis from uncooked meats. If you do choose to eat prosciutto, make sure it is reheated until steaming hot first.
How long does prosciutto last at room temperature?
An unopened prosciutto ham will last 2-3 months at room temperature when stored properly in a cool, dry place. Once opened, sliced prosciutto should not sit out more than 2 hours before refrigerating.
Does prosciutto need to be cooked before eating?
Most prosciutto can be eaten raw since it is dry cured. The exceptions are prosciutto cotto (cooked prosciutto) and any pre-packaged prosciutto slices that contain preservatives like nitrates. These need to be cooked first to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F for food safety.
Can you freeze sliced prosciutto?
Yes, sliced prosciutto can be frozen but should be used within 1-2 months for best quality. Wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight freezer container. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
What is the white coating on prosciutto?
The white substance you may see on slices of prosciutto is called tyrosine crystals. These harmless amino acid crystals are caused by the drying process and are an indicator of a well-aged prosciutto. Just brush them off before eating if desired.
Conclusion
Prosciutto is a delicious Italian cured ham that deserves proper storage for retaining its signature flavor and texture. Keep whole prosciutto hams at room temperature unopened for up to 3 months. Once sliced, refrigerate all opened packs for no more than 3-4 weeks. Make sure to tightly wrap or seal it to prevent drying out. With proper refrigeration, you can continue enjoying thin slices of this sublime cured meat for weeks after opening. Enjoy this luxury deli product at its best by minimizing air exposure and keeping it chilled once cut.
