The origins of salame can be dated back over 2000 years ago to the time of the Romans and the Greeks – it was their preferred method of preserving meat. However, it was the Italians who became truly known for discovering salame, as it comes from the Italian word ‘salare’ meaning “to salt”. Salame was originally made using pork, however in more recent times other meat began to be used as well, including beef. At Diforti, we sell only the best salame – Italian salame, of course. This delicious meat can be found at our family run, authentic Italian delicatessen, London-based with all of our products sold through our online shop — and can be delivered to your door in just one day.*
The Art of Making Salame
Before it is served in perfectly sliced pieces on a delicious Italian platter, becoming the perfect party food, salame must first be transformed.
Salame is prepared using ground pork or beef mixed with garlic, salt, minced fat and seasonings (which depend on what type of salame you are making). This mixture is then placed into edible casings and cured through air drying – this can take anywhere from 6 – 10 weeks – it’s during this period that bacteria is activated in the meat – good bacteria – which will prevent it from spoiling.
The finished product is then removed from its casing, sliced and ready to be sold. Alternatively, whole salame can be sold in its casing, although this should be discarded before the salame is consumed.
At Diforti, we only sell salame that is 100% made in Italy using the proper methods, so you never have to worry about the quality of the meat you purchase – it will always be top- notch.
Salame Milano
This Italian salame get its name from the city of Milan where it was originally produced. Salame Milano is characterised by its fine grain and a uniform distribution of the fat and lean parts, due to the use of a finimondo. This particular salame is placed in natural casing and matured for 3 to 9 weeks, dependant on the diameter of the salami.
Some confuse Salame Milano with Hungarian Salame, however, Salame Milano has a sweeter and more delicate taste, making for an authentic Italian food. Available at Diforti, our Salame Milano is best enjoyed as part of an antipasti platter or thinly sliced and enjoyed in a sandwich.
Salame Ventricina Piccante
Originating from Abbruzzo, Salame Ventricina Piccante is a cured sausage made using coarsely ground pork, seasoned with salt, pepper, chili and paprika to give it a bit of a kick. The direct translation is spicy salami and is also known as the ever-popular pepperoni – however, don’t confuse Italian Salame Ventricina Piccante with pepperoni, as the difference between genuine Salame Ventricina Piccante and pepperoni is great.
Enjoy the Salame Ventricina Piccante available at Diforti on an authentic Italian food platter, paired with a selection of vegetable antipasti or soft cheeses.
These are just two of the great salame that Italy has to offer, making for great food gifts or food gift ideas for those in your life who have a taste for delicious meats. And if you want to make the ultimate platter, be sure to buy our Antipasto Misto selection, bringing together the best of cured meats: Prosciutto Crudo, Milano Salami and Coppa, that you can buy right here at Diforti, our Italian deli online.
*orders made by 1:00pm are eligible for next day delivery