Prosciutto Ham

Prosciutto ham is a dry-cured, thinly sliced ham, typically made from the hind leg of a pig. It originates from Italy and is usually seasoned with salt and sometimes other spices, then air-dried for a period ranging from several months to over a year. This curing process preserves the meat and develops its distinctive rich, savoury flavour and delicate texture.

Prosciutto is primarily used to add a salty, umami flavour and a tender texture to a variety of dishes. It is often served as part of a charcuterie board, wrapped around fruits like melon or figs, or incorporated into cooked dishes such as pasta sauces, pizzas, and salads. Manufacturers use it for its distinct flavour profile and to enhance the overall taste and appeal of savoury food products.

Prosciutto ham is a food ingredient, not a food additive, and therefore does not have an E-number or require authorisation on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. As a cured meat product, it is high in salt and saturated fat. The UK's Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) advises limiting intake of red and processed meats due to potential links with certain health conditions. The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies processed meats, including cured hams, as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).