Prosciutto is a popular Italian cured ham that is beloved for its salty, umami flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. However, like any cured or aged meat, prosciutto is perishable and has a limited shelf life. So how long does prosciutto last when properly stored in the refrigerator?
What is Prosciutto?
Prosciutto is an air-dried, salt-cured ham that originated in Italy. To make it, pork leg is trimmed of excess fat, seasoned with salt, and left to air-dry for anywhere from 9 months to 2 years. This long aging time concentrates the pork’s flavor and allows the meat to become wonderfully tender.
There are a few different varieties of prosciutto:
- Prosciutto di Parma – From the Parma region of Italy. Has a distinct nutty flavor.
- Prosciutto di San Daniele – From the San Daniele region of Italy. Sweeter and more delicate than Parma.
- Prosciutto Toscano – From Tuscany. Robust, salty flavor.
No matter what type of prosciutto you buy, proper storage is key for maximizing its shelf life and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.
How to Store Prosciutto
To store prosciutto correctly:
- Keep it in the original packaging or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents the ham from drying out.
- Refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below. Cured meats last longer when kept cold.
- Once opened, rewrap the cut end in plastic wrap or place it in a resealable plastic bag.
- Avoid freezing prosciutto whenever possible, as this can negatively impact texture.
Unopened Prosciutto
When stored properly in the fridge, unopened prosciutto that is not sliced can last:
- Whole prosciutto leg – 5-6 months past the use-by date on the packaging
- Pre-sliced prosciutto packs – 2-3 weeks past the use-by date
The use-by date is merely an indication of peak quality, not safety. The shelf life of refrigerated, unopened prosciutto depends on variables like:
- Type of prosciutto
- Packaging method (vacuum-sealed is best)
- Storage temperature
- Exposure to light and air
Even past the use-by date, unopened prosciutto stored in the fridge is generally still safe to eat. However, the texture and flavor will slowly decline over time.
Opened Prosciutto
Once opened and exposed to air, prosciutto has a shorter shelf life. Use these guidelines for storing opened packages in the refrigerator:
| Prosciutto Type | Fridge Life After Opening |
|---|---|
| Sliced Prosciutto | 3-5 days |
| Prosciutto Pieces/Chunks | 5-7 days |
For best quality, use opened refrigerated prosciutto within 3-5 days. After that point, it’s still safe to eat but will quickly lose its signature flavor and texture.
How to Tell if Prosciutto Has Gone Bad
Watch for these signs that indicate spoiled prosciutto:
- Sliminess – Good prosciutto should be dry to the touch.
- Mold – May appear fuzzy or discolored.
- Off smell – Should have a mild meaty aroma. Foul odors mean spoilage.
- Brown or gray spots – Sign of oxidation.
- Dull or sticky exterior – Aging causes the ham to become tacky.
If your prosciutto exhibits any of those characteristics, it’s best to throw it out. Don’t take chances with iffy deli meat.
Extending the Shelf Life
You can maximize the shelf life of prosciutto by:
- Freezing – Frozen unopened packages last 4-6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
- Vacuum sealing – Removes air to prevent mold growth.
- Cooking – Fully cooked prosciutto will keep 5-7 days refrigerated.
- Canning – Store cooked prosciutto slices submerged in broth in sealed jars.
How to Use up Leftover Prosciutto
Try these tasty ways to use up prosciutto before it goes bad:
- Pizzas – Top with prosciutto, arugula, mozzarella, parmesan.
- Pasta – Toss with spinach, cream, and prosciutto.
- Quesadillas – Add to quesadillas with mozzarella and tomato.
- Salads – Pair with melon, pear, or figs.
- Sandwiches – Layer on bread with provolone, lettuce, onion.
- Breakfast – Wrap around asparagus and poach eggs.
- Appetizers – Serve on crostini or bread slices.
- Omelets – Saute with onions and fold into omelets.
- Risotto – Stir into risotto at the end.
- Soup – Add to minestrone, lentil, or bean soups.
FAQs
Can you freeze prosciutto?
Yes, freezing is a good way to extend the shelf life of prosciutto. Freeze unopened packages for 4-6 months. Once thawed, use opened prosciutto within 3-5 days.
What happens if you eat expired prosciutto?
If it has been handled properly, prosciutto can still be safe to eat for a short period after the use-by date. However, the flavor and texture quality will decline. Rancid or moldy prosciutto may cause illness if consumed.
Does cooking prosciutto make it last longer?
Yes, cooked prosciutto that has been refrigerated in an airtight container will keep for 5-7 days. The high temperatures kill harmful bacteria.
Can you substitute regular ham for prosciutto?
While they are both types of ham, prosciutto and regular ham have very different textures and flavors. For most recipes, regular ham is not an ideal substitute. Try using turkey breast or roast beef instead.
What’s the white stuff on prosciutto?
The white powdery coating on prosciutto is tyrosine crystals, an amino acid that naturally forms as the ham dries and ages. It’s harmless and a sign of properly cured meat.
Conclusion
With proper refrigerated storage and careful monitoring for spoilage, an unopened prosciutto ham can last 2-6 months past its printed date, while an opened package will stay fresh for 3-5 days. Freezing unopened prosciutto extends shelf life for 4-6 months. Keep your prosciutto tightly wrapped, use opened packages quickly, and discard any meat that smells, looks, or feels off to get the most out of this delicious Italian delicacy.
