This Is What Salami Is Actually Made Of

Here's what you need to know.

Whether it’s served alongside cheeses, jams, and crackers on a charcuterie board, stacked high on an Italian hoagie, or in a pasta salad, salami is widely known and loved for its irresistibly salty-savory taste. This cured meat is popular throughout Europe because it is shelf-stable, relatively inexpensive, and incredibly versatile.

What Is Salami?

Salami, or otherwise known as salame, is a type of pork-based Italian sausage. Although most commonly made with pork as its main ingredient, it can also include mixes of beef, duck, lamb, and more. It originates in Italy—dating back as far as the Roman Empire—but has spread throughout Europe due to its popularity.

There are a lot of different types of salami out there—nearing the hundreds—coming from Italy, Spain, Germany, and more. Some of the most common types are: Genoa, Sopressata, Mortadella, and even Chorizo.

How is Salami Made?

There are several ways to make salami, depending on the meat used and traditional method, but at its most basic form salami begins with a mixture of fatty ground meat, salt, and spices. Once combined, the ingredients are packed into a protective casing before being cured with salt, which is how it gets its name, and then aged. Throughout its aging, the salami ferments and dries out which lends it its impressive shelf life and savory, tangy taste. Salami can be aged anywhere from days up to even years.

The Best Ways to Enjoy Salami

There are limitless possibilities when it comes to cooking with and eating salami. Salami, being a cured meat, requires no heating so it can be enjoyed sliced or pre-cut. It can be added to  sandwiches, salads, cheese boards and even be made into a traditional Calabrian spread. And if you’re looking to get creative, salami can even be crisped up in the oven and filled with various toppings as salami cups.

How to Store Salami

To enjoy salami at its best, it's important to store it properly. Salami is shelf stable so if you purchase salami in its casing, unopened it can be stored in a dark, cool spot for up to a few months. But once cut into, or purchased sliced from a deli counter, it is recommended to be stored in a produce or sealed bag for up to three weeks, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Read the original article on All Recipes.