Prosciutto vs. Speck (Similarities and Differences Explained)

Many people have a weak spot for cured meats. Their unique flavor and texture make them a guilty pleasure for most meat lovers.

When talking about “fancier” cured meats, it’s impossible to leave out prosciutto. However, many aren’t familiar with prosciutto’s cousin, speck, and aren’t sure what makes them different.

When comparing prosciutto vs. speck, you’ll see they’re similar in many ways. The main difference between the two comes down to just one additional step in the production process. Read on to learn more.

	Prosciutto	Speck
Cured Meat	Yes	Yes
Origin	Italy	Italy
Meat	Hind leg of a pig	Hind leg of a pig
Varieties	Many	Many
Protected	Prosciutto di Parma has PDO	Tyrolean speck has PGI
Production Process	Traditional	Traditional
German-Austrian Influence	No	Yes
Flavor	Milder	Stronger
Smoked	No	Yes
Spices	Typically, only salt and pepper	Usually bay leaves, juniper berries, or other spices
Appearance	Lighter color	Darker, rich color
Meat-to-Fat Ratio	Lower	Higher
Use	Can be served on its own or on charcuterie boards, used as an appetizer, or added to dishes	Can be served on its own or on charcuterie boards, used as an appetizer, or added to dishes
Sliced	Thinly sliced	Thinly sliced

The Nutritional Aspect

When considering prosciutto and speck from a nutritional standpoint, both meats are rich in protein, essential minerals like zinc and iron, and B-vitamins. However, due to the curing process, they also come with a high sodium content. It’s worth noting that speck, with its smoking process, may have slightly different nutritional components, potentially slightly higher in compounds resulting from smoking.

What Is Prosciutto?

Prosciutto originates from Italy, and it’s a type of meat typically made from the pig’s hind leg.

Despite technological advances, the production of authentic prosciutto has remained traditional and hasn’t changed over the years.

The first step in the manufacturing process is cleaning the meat.

After that, a considerable amount of salt is added to it, thus removing the excess water and eliminating potentially harmful bacteria.

Moreover, a mixture of spices is also added to the meat.

Then, the salted prosciutto is pressed to expel the water and blood and is left to dry for around two months. After this period, the prosciutto is washed to remove the extra salt.

The final step is moving the meat to a dark room where it’s left until completely dry.

Several factors dictate the length of this period, such as the size of the meat, location, and the desired flavor.

The longer the meat is dried, the stronger the taste.

Typically, the production process of high-quality prosciutto lasts for at least nine months.

There are numerous varieties of prosciutto on the market, but the most popular one is Prosciutto di Parma.

It originates from Parma, a city in northern Italy. This type of prosciutto can only be made in Parma, and it never contains nitrites, nitrates, or any other additives.

What Is Speck?

Like prosciutto, speck is a type of cured ham originating in Italy, but it comes from a different region.

It’s usually made in Tyrol, an area that encompasses northern Italy and western Austria. This region is known for the German-Austrian influence on many aspects of the culture, including meat production.

In fact, “speck” means “bacon” in German, which is why many people are under the impression this ham comes from Germany.

The production process of speck is exceptionally similar to that of prosciutto.

First of all, it’s made from the same meat: the hind leg of a pig. Next, the initial phase is the same – the meat is cleaned, then added salt and spices.

After that, the meat is left to cure for several weeks, just like prosciutto. This process ensures no harmful bacteria or excess water jeopardizes the meat’s quality.

The last step of the manufacturing process is what makes speck so unique: smoking.

Smoking is usually done outside, creating a unique combination of smoke and fresh mountain air that contributes to the meat’s flavor.

The meat is smoked for about two or three hours each day, and the process typically lasts from one to three weeks.

After smoking, the meat is stored in a cellar and left to mature for about four to five months.

The most popular variety is a Tyrolean speck, and its strong tradition dates back to the 13th century.

Another important aspect to consider is the shelf life of these cured meats. Both prosciutto and speck have a long shelf life due to their curing process, but once opened, it’s best to consume them within a few weeks. Prosciutto should be kept tightly wrapped in the refrigerator, while speck, with its smoky nature, can also be stored in cool cellars or pantries for a short period.

What Are the Similarities Between Prosciutto and Speck?

The first similarity between these two types of meat is their origin.

Both come from Italy, though from different regions.

Also, both prosciutto and speck are protected by one of the European schemes of geographical indications and traditional specialties.

Prosciutto di Parma is probably the best-known type of prosciutto, and it has a PDO (protected designation of origin).

Tyrolean speck has a PGI status, which stands for “protected geographical indication.”

Another feature prosciutto and speck have in common is that they are both cured meats. Their manufacturing processes are very similar up until the last phase.

Unless you’re a cured meat lover, prosciutto and speck may even look similar. But, of course, true fans will be able to tell the difference merely by looking at them.

Lastly, both prosciutto and speck are excellent additions to charcuterie boards, pasta, and numerous other meals. They can also be a delicious snack when served on their own.

What Are the Differences Between Prosciutto and Speck?

Unlike prosciutto, speck is smoked before being left to mature.

Some call speck “smoked prosciutto.” Although the key difference is in the manufacturing process, it would be wrong to say it’s the only one.

One difference worth mentioning is the combination of spices used when making speck.

Typically, bay leaves and juniper berries are added to speck, which isn’t common when making prosciutto.

In fact, most types of prosciutto just feature salt and pepper, while speck almost always contains other spices.

The spice mix differs depending on the producer, and it’s often a secret passed down only to family members that continue the production.

This unique spice mix gives speck a more intense flavor. Due to a slightly different manufacturing process, speck features a deep, smoky flavor and a darker color.

It’s also denser and has an elastic texture.

Finally, speck tends to be leaner than prosciutto, containing less fat and more meat by weight.

FAQs

Can I cook with prosciutto and speck?

Yes, both meats can be used in cooking, from wrapping around other meats to being incorporated into sauces and pasta dishes.

Are prosciutto and speck gluten-free?

Generally, both prosciutto and speck are gluten-free. However, it’s always a good idea to check product labels, especially if they have added flavors or ingredients.

How should I store opened prosciutto and speck?

Both should be stored in the refrigerator once opened, wrapped tightly to preserve freshness. Speck can also be stored in cool cellars for a short period due to its smoky nature.

Are there vegetarian or vegan alternatives to these meats?

While there are no direct vegetarian alternatives that capture the exact flavors of prosciutto or speck, there are various plant-based deli slices available that can be used as substitutes in recipes.

Can I freeze prosciutto and speck?

Yes, both meats can be frozen to extend their shelf life, but it might slightly alter their texture once thawed. It’s recommended to consume them fresh for the best experience.

In Summary

In the prosciutto vs. speck face-off, there’s no winner. Both are traditional, high-quality meats you really need to try if you haven’t already.

Prosciutto and speck feature excellent appearance, texture, and flavor, and which one you’ll choose depends solely on your preferences.

If you’re looking for a more intense flavor, choose speck. It offers a perfect blend of traditional Italian manufacturing processes with a northern influence.

On the other hand, if you want a milder taste and a lighter texture, prosciutto should be your choice.