How long does prosciutto last? Before we answer this, let’s find out what prosciutto is.
What Is A Prosciutto?
Prosciutto is a kind of ham that is very popular in Italy. It is made from premium pork legs, covered in salt and is left to rest for some weeks. In this process, the salt is imperative as it draws out moisture and blood from the meat in order to prevent the entry of bacteria, making the prosciutto safe for consumption even if it is eaten raw. Moreover, the salting of meat creates a more concentrated flavor.
After the process of salting, the pork legs are then washed, seasoned usually according to a family recipe, and again allowed to dry-age for 14 months up to 36 months in a room with a controlled temperature. The combination of air, salt, and time are factors that contribute to the sweet and delicate taste of the prosciutto.
How Long Does Prosciutto last?
So how long does prosciutto last? There are different kinds of prosciutto where some are salty and others are sweet. The flavor of the ham is dependent on the way it was prepared. Prosciutto need to undergo a strict preparation procedure to make certain the quality of the product and ensure it meets and passes the safety regulations making it safe for consumption. If something goes wrong during the preparation and manufacturing process, safety can be compromised which can lead to serious health risks. Hence, when purchasing prosciutto, it is vital that you know how it will last to avoid this.
Uncured Ham, Uncooked
- Refrigerated – 3 to 5 days
- Frozen – 6 months
Uncured Ham, Cooked
- Refrigerated – 3 to 4 days
- Frozen – 3 to 4 months
Cured Ham, Cook-before-eating, Uncooked
- Refrigerated – 5 to 7 days or “consume” date
- Frozen – 3 to 4 months
Vacuum-sealed, Cooked Ham, Unopened and Undated; Unopened Luncheon meat ham
- Refrigerated – 2 weeks
- Frozen – 1 to 2 months
Canned Ham (labeled); Cooked Ham, Whole Store Wrapped
- Refrigerated – 7 days
- Frozen – 1 to 2 months
Unopened, Vacuum-sealed, Cooked Ham, Dated
- Refrigerated – Consume before date specified on package
- Frozen – 1 to 2 months
Opened Luncheon Meat Ham; Cooked ham slices
- Refrigerated – 3 to 5 days
- Frozen – 1 to 2 months
While prosciutto is very popular and loved by many, especially when it is paired with wine, there are individuals who do not eat this kind of meat, or eat pork in general. Watch the video below to find out:
