Italian Meats
Italy has a long history of curing meats. Since Roman Times, salting, smoking and air-drying meats were ways to preserve their meats throughout the year. Pork, beef venison and wild boar would be cured either as slabs of meat, or ground and stuffed into casing. Salumi, (Italian cured meats) played an important role in the Italian antipasto, a first course served prior to the meal along with cheese and vegetables. Salami, Soppresata, Prosciutto, Pepperoni and other cured meats continue to be a celebrated part of Italian Food and cuisine today.