Speck Italian Prosciutto

What is Italian Speck Prosciutto?

One of the most celebrated foods from Italy’s northernmost province of Alto Adige, Italian speck is a type of cured meat similar to  prosciutto but with a distinctive flavor. After being de-boned from the hind leg of the pig, this dry cured ham is rubbed with spices such as juniper berries and bay leaves, then left to cure for three weeks. After the curing process, the meat is gently smoked with low-resin wood at a carefully controlled low temperature, which helps it retain its characteristic sweet flavor. Compared to smoked hams of the Northern Alps, speck is lighter in flavor while the spiced cure gives it more intensity than prosciutto di Parma. With just the right amount of smokiness, speck meat has a delicate, well-balanced flavor that reflects the pristine alpine environment of northern Italy.

What can I make with Italian speck smoked Prosciutto?

Speck meat, bread, and wine are the quintessential ingredients for a Northern Italian picnic. Pile this smoky flavor, juniper flavored cold cut in thin slices on rye bread, accompanied by Italian cheeses and fruit on the side to balance the saltiness. Speck also enhances the naturally briny and buttery flavors of seafood. Toss speck into a lobster salad and wrap it around scallops instead of bacon. Speck meat makes a tasty and inventive substitution for prosciutto on charcuterie boards and sandwiches, and will add smoked flavor to pasta dishes. Crumbled into small pieces, crisped in a pan, and combined with cream and fresh herbs, Italian speck makes a satisfying sauce for green vegetables, pasta, and seafood.  

Where to buy Speck Italian meat

If you’re in the mood for something different than prosciutto or bacon, Supermarket Italy features premium speck from Alto Adige, including a five-pound ham, the perfect amount to keep your pantry fully stocked. Shop for speck and other smoked meats today so you can enjoy the taste of classic Northern Italian cuisine with every bite.