Pancetta is an Italian cured meat product similar to bacon. It is made from the belly of a pig that has been salt cured and spiced. Pancetta adds great flavor when cooked in pasta, pizza, soups and more. But like any cured or fresh meat, it’s important to store pancetta properly in the refrigerator to maximize its shelf life and avoid spoilage.
What is Pancetta?
Pancetta is Italian cured pork belly that is seasoned with salt, black pepper, spices and cured for about 3 months. It has a firm, meaty texture and the flavor is described as savory, salty and slightly sweet.
Some key things to know about pancetta:
- Made from pork belly
- Dry cured and seasoned, but not smoked like bacon
- Sold rolled up in a cylindrical shape
- Has a thicker cut than bacon
- Adds flavor when cooked into dishes
Pancetta has a similar fat content to bacon, around 50% fat since it comes from the fatty belly section. But it has a completely different flavor profile from smoked bacon.
How is Pancetta Made?
There are a few steps to making pancetta:
- The pork belly is trimmed of skin and excess fat.
- The belly is cured by being rubbed with a mix of sea salt, pepper, spices and cured salts for 3-4 weeks. This draws out moisture and firms up the meat.
- The pancetta is then rinsed to remove excess salt and rolled up tightly.
- It’s tied up with string to hold the cylindrical shape.
- The rolled pancetta is hung to air dry for another couple months which allows more drying.
The end result is a firm, dry cured meat ready for thin slicing. The flavor is salty, savory and slightly sweet.
How to Store Pancetta
To get the longest shelf life out of your pancetta, proper storage is key. Here are some tips:
- Keep pancetta refrigerated at all times until ready to use. It can be kept in the original packaging or sliced into portions and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Make sure the fridge temperature is 40°F or below. Use a fridge thermometer to monitor.
- Use pancetta within 5-7 days of opening the original packaging.
- Don’t freeze pancetta in the original packaging or expose to multiple freezes and thaws. This negatively affects texture.
- Wrap portions well and freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw in the fridge before use.
- If mold appears on the cut ends, trim 1-2 inches off. If the mold penetrates deeper, discard the pancetta.
Proper refrigeration keeps pancetta fresh by slowing down bacteria growth and oxidation that can lead to spoilage.
How Long Does Pancetta Last in the Fridge?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, pancetta can last:
- Unopened pancetta in original packaging: 2-3 months from the use by date on package
- After opening: 5-7 days
- Pancetta portions, wrapped in freezer: 1-2 months
The shelf life depends on a few factors:
- Use by date – This gives a guideline for max fridge life unopened.
- Storage conditions – Keeping the fridge at 40°F or below preserves freshness longer.
- Opening and handling – Once opened, the pancetta is exposed to more air, light and handling which reduces the shelf life compared to unopened.
- Freezing – Freezing portions properly can extend the shelf life for a couple months.
So check the use by date, monitor your fridge temperature, wrap pancetta well and freeze portions for longest lasting pancetta!
How to Tell if Pancetta is Bad
Here are some signs that indicate your pancetta has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Slimy texture and sticky surface
- White or colorful mold growing beyond surface (small mold spots can be trimmed)
- Dull or faded brownish color instead of rich pink/red
- Strong sour odor
- Very dry and shriveled appearance
Trust your senses! If the pancetta smells, looks or feels bad, it’s best to play it safe and throw it out.
Safely handle pancetta to prevent contamination:
- Wash hands before and after handling
- Use clean utensils and cutting boards
- Keep refrigerated except when using
- Throw away if signs of spoilage or mold develops
With proper storage and handling, pancetta can stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week past the opened date. But if you see any signs of spoilage, it’s best to discard it right away. Don’t risk eating spoiled pancetta!
How to Use Pancetta
Pancetta is useful for adding flavor to all kinds of savory dishes:
- Pasta – Dice and add to pasta sauces, frittata, lasagna or mac and cheese
- Pizza – Top pizzas with crispy pieces of pancetta
- Soups & Stews – Add diced pancetta at the start to infuse flavor
- Seafood – Wrap scallops or shrimp in thin slices
- Salads – Toss crisp pancetta bits over greens, beans or potatoes
- Bruschetta – Top toasted bread with sauteed pancetta and relish
- Omelets – Saute diced pancetta and add to omelets
- Panini – Layer sliced pancetta in pressed sandwiches
The options are endless! Pancetta’s salty, meaty flavor pairs well with so many ingredients.
Here are a few recipe ideas using pancetta:
- Pasta carbonara – Toss cooked pasta with crispy pancetta, cheese, eggs and black pepper
- Pancetta wrapped dates – Wrap dates in pancetta and roast
- Brussels sprouts and pancetta – Roast together in the oven
- Pancetta mushroom risotto – Saute mushrooms and stir into creamy risotto
- Pancetta onion pizza – Top pizza dough with caramelized onions and crispy pancetta
Get creative with this Italian cured meat and add big flavor to your cooking!
Storing Leftover Cooked Pancetta
You can store leftover cooked pancetta to enjoy later. Here are some storage tips:
- Let cooked pancetta cool completely before storing.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, place cooled pancetta pieces in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat pancetta pieces later in the oven at 350°F or pan fried over medium heat until warmed through.
Properly stored leftover pancetta maintains its delicious flavor and texture. But as always, observe safe food handling and consume within a safe timeframe. Discard if you see any signs of spoilage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze pancetta?
Yes, it’s possible to freeze pancetta for longer storage. Slice or dice into portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags and freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw in the fridge before using and cook fully before eating.
What’s the difference between pancetta, prosciutto and bacon?
While all three are pork products, they have distinct differences:
- Pancetta is pork belly that is salt cured and unsmoked.
- Prosciutto is salt cured and air dried ham.
- Bacon is pork belly or loin that is salt cured and smoked.
Can you substitute pancetta for bacon?
Yes, pancetta makes a good bacon substitute in many recipes, though the flavor profile is different. Cook it the same way you would bacon until nice and crisp.
How long can you keep pancetta in the freezer?
Properly frozen pancetta will maintain best quality for 1-2 months in the freezer. Double wrap portions to prevent freezer burn.
How do you know when pancetta has gone bad?
Signs that pancetta has spoiled include mold, slimy texture, dull or faded color, sour smell and very dry or shriveled appearance. When in doubt, throw it out.
