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Italian deli meats have been popular for years. However, even though you have probably enjoyed mainstays like salami, pepperoni, and mortadella, you might not know all the different variations and what each one entails. If you’re interested in learning a bit more about some of your favorite foods, consult the quick guide below.

6 Popular Types of Italian Deli Meats

1. Salami

Salami is a type of cured sausage that can be made with a variety of meats, including pork, beef, and veal. It is ground and then salted, dried, and smoked before being sliced into thin pieces.

2. Pepperoni

Pepperoni, made famous as one of the most popular choices for pizza toppings, is also a type of sausage that can be made with a mixture of pork and beef. It is, however, a bit spicier than salami and other ground meat options.

3. Prosciutto

italian deliProsciutto is a type of meat that is made from pork leg, so it’s not as fatty as cuts like bacon that come from the belly. It is salted, aged, and thinly sliced before being served, usually cold, on dishes like sandwiches, salads, or meat-and-cheese trays.

4. Capicola

Capicola is made with pork muscle. This variety is fairly sweet compared to other Italian deli meats. It is dry cured and usually served on party platters or snack trays.

5. Mortadella

Mortadella is another popular type of Italian sausage. However, unlike pepperoni and salami, deli chefs grind mortadella until it is very smooth. They then mix it with other ingredients like peppercorns and olives.

6. Pancetta

Pancetta comes from the belly of a pig, so it’s similar to bacon. However, it’s seasoned with lots of salt and pepper and then cured, whereas bacon is cured and smoked. So, although the two types of meat can be used in many of the same dishes, pancetta doesn’t have the same smoky flavor as bacon. 

 

If you’re looking for any of these Italian deli meats, either for yourself or in a catering package for an upcoming event, turn to Fortuna’s Deli & Caterers of Westport in Connecticut. They offer a variety of sandwiches, salads, party trays and other options to satisfy all your cravings. Give them a call at (203) 226-3587 to place an order for pickup, and visit their website to view their catering menu.

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