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Prosciutto is a delicious, salty, and sweet cured ham popular in Italy as an appetizer. They are available as either thinly sliced or fully cooked and are usually ready to eat.
Thinly sliced prosciutto cooks to become nice and crispy on its own when fried up just right. But the whole prosciutto is also available if you would prefer to cut your own slices.
If you love prosciutto a little bit too much or it is your go-to breakfast protein, you can decide to purchase a large amount and store it at home, but can you freeze prosciutto?
Yes, you can! Prosciutto, like most ham, can be stored in the freezer to extend its lifespan. If you want to store your food for a long time without it going bad, freezing is the method commonly used.
Can You Freeze Prosciutto?
Yes, you can freeze prosciutto. But before you toss your meat in the freezer, there are some things you should consider.
First, freezing affects the quality of prosciutto as well as its flavor; this it does while keeping the meat safe indefinitely as long as it remains in the freezer.
You can also freeze whole prosciutto and keep it from going bad. If you decide to store your prosciutto whole in the freezer, ensure to wrap it.
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Wrapping keeps the meat safe from smells which it can absorb from your freezer. Wrapping the prosciutto securely also ensures they are protected from coming into contact with other products in the fridge.
If you are storing the whole prosciutto and can’t find space for the whole thing in your freezer, you can cut it into smaller chunks. Avoid cutting the meat into very small chunks as this causes the quality to deteriorate faster.
Wrap the meat chunks in foil and place them in resealable bags. If you can’t fit them into bags, wrap them in another layer of foil before placing them in the freezer.
Cutting prosciutto into large chunks is recommended to maintain the quality and flavor, but always keep in mind what you intend to use the meat for before cutting. This way, you can plan your consumption and prevent wastage.
Remember that you can store prosciutto at room temperature but only for a short period.
How To Freeze Prosciutto
Prepping your prosciutto before freezing is very crucial; when done right, your meat is protected from moisture and keeps for long.
Method #1: Air Tight Wrap
You can purchase wraps made specifically for wrapping items meant for freezer storage, they seal more securely, and you can find them at specialty stores like whole foods or trader joes.
Wrap your prosciutto slices between two sheets of wax paper before placing them in an air-tight freezer bag for extra protection.
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Close the bag tightly to prevent air and moisture from penetrating the content. This technique is more effective for storing prosciutto slices as it prevents them from drying out.
When the meat is completely wrapped up and secured, place it in the freezer. Do not wash or expose your prosciutto to moisture before freezing to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Method #2: Vacuum Sealing
Vacuum sealing is a more effective method of preserving prosciutto, especially if you have a large quantity; it eliminates air and moisture in the storage bag and meat, adding a layer of protection against harmful bacteria.
Place your prosciutto slices in the freezer for a while before placing them in the vacuum-sealed pouch.
This increases your chances of your meat lasting for a long time. You will need a vacuum sealer for this method of storage which you can find in most grocery stores.
First, wrap the completely cool prosciutto slices with parchment paper before placing them inside your vacuum-sealed pouch.
Seal the pouch and expel the air out of it before storing it in your freezer. This method will also help your prosciutto slices last longer than they would with a regular freezer bag.
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How To Thaw Frozen Prosciutto
Once you remove prosciutto from the freezer, do not refreeze. So always only take out the amount you need at the moment.
Place the frozen prosciutto in the fridge overnight to thaw. Once thawed, use the prosciutto within two to three days. So, Can you freeze prosciutto? If you read this article from the beginning, then I bet you already know the answer to that.