Definition

Noun: 1. A dry-cured ham from Italy: A type of Italian ham that is salt-cured, air-dried, and typically not cooked. It is known for its sweet, delicate flavor and is usually served in very thin slices.

Usage

• As a food item: Used to refer to the cured meat itself, often as an appetizer or part of a dish.

  • Prosciutto is a popular starter in Italian restaurants.
  • For the charcuterie board, we need some prosciutto and cheese.

• Describing preparation/style: Used to specify the Italian method of curing ham.

  • The chef prefers prosciutto di Parma, which has a protected designation of origin.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Prosciutto crudo": This is the full Italian term, literally meaning "raw ham," distinguishing it from cooked ham (). In English, "prosciutto" typically refers to .
  • We learned about the difference between prosciutto crudo and prosciutto cotto in our cooking class.

Variants and Related Words

• Prosciutto di Parma (n): A specific, high-quality type of prosciutto from the Parma region of Italy.
• Prosciutto di San Daniele (n): Another renowned type of prosciutto from the San Daniele region.
• Cured meat (n): A general category that includes prosciutto, salami, and pancetta.

Synonyms

• Dry-cured ham: A general term for ham preserved by salting and air-drying.
• Parma ham: A common English synonym specifically for .

Related Phrases/Idioms

(This word is a specific noun for a food item and is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs.)

Noun

1. Italian salt-cured ham usually sliced paper thin