prosciutto

Definition

Italian dry-cured ham aged to translucent perfection, sliced paper-thin and priced like it's made from unicorns. The meat that launched a thousand charcuterie boards and pretentious appetizer descriptions.

Example Usage

The prosciutto di Parma was hand-sliced because machine-sliced apparently doesn't justify the $40 markup.

Origin

Italian, from Latin 'perexsuctum' (thoroughly dried), shortened to 'prosciutto'

Fun Fact

Authentic Prosciutto di Parma must come from specific pig breeds raised in designated regions and aged for at least 12 months, making it the Italian answer to French wine appellations.

Source: Italian charcuterie terminology

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