Although they are similar in appearance and they are from the same animal, there are differences in the battle of serrano ham vs. prosciutto, including the fact that serrano ham is less sweet than prosciutto and serrano ham is cured for longer.
Let's dive into a full comparison of these two cured meats.
Serrano Ham vs. Prosciutto: What is the Difference?
The primary difference between serrano ham and prosciutto is that they're made from different breeds of pig. Serrano ham is made from the Landrace breed of white pig while prosciutto is made from a different breed of pig, such as the Duroc. The end result is that prosciutto is sweet and buttery with a melt-in-your-mouth texture while serrano ham is rich and savory, with a texture that's more chewy.
There are other differences such as serrano ham originating in Spain while prosciutto originated in Italy and suggested curing periods which we've summarized in the table below.
- 4-serving meals starting at $3.77 per serving (up to 25% cheaper than HelloFresh).
- Incredible variety with 10+ weekly meal options, delivered directly to you.
- Easy to prepare meals ready in 30-minutes or less.
| Features | Serrano Ham | Prosciutto |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Spain | Italy |
| Ingredients | White pig meat, salt | Pig, salt, extra herbs |
| Cured period | 18-24 months | 10-12 months but sometimes up to 36 months |
| Taste | Salty flavor | More of a herbal flavor and sweeter taste |
| Texture | Dry | Less dry than serrano ham |
| Color | Darker red | Lighter Red |
Serrano Ham vs. Prosciutto: What are the Similarities?
Although the chart shows many differences, if you don’t mind the difference in flavors, then they can be interchangeable. Both do look similar, and both can be delicious as part of a sandwich or in a salad. Many people choose to use either meat as part of a topping on a pizza.
Both serrano ham and prosciutto are made from meat from white pigs, and both are dry-cured. Both also have a salty texture and are very thinly sliced.
Although both serrano ham and prosciutto are found around the world and come at a similar price point, prosciutto is more common in places like Europe and Spain, so you may have to settle for it if you’re in those areas.
Serrano ham is less common, and it’s for an interesting reason. There’s swine flu going around Africa, and it’s affecting many of the pigs in Spain. For that reason, the importation of serrano ham is banned in many places, including the United States.
What is Serrano Ham?
A better way to understand the differences between serrano ham vs. prosciutto is to understand more about each meat. To start, serrano ham also goes under the name Jamon, and it originated in the Serrano region of Spain. However, these days, it is produced all over the world with slightly different preparation methods based on the place.
Serrano is a dry-cured ham, and that goes back to its origins. Back then, serrano was prepared in the mountains, where the climate frequently changed from dry and hot to cold and moist, and that created a gradual aging process that continues until this day.
How Serrano Ham is Prepared
The preparation process for producing serrano ham requires three main steps that give the meat its unique flavor.
- The meat is cut from the pig and then rubbed with a generous layer of salt. Then, it’s placed in a cold and humid room for between 20 hours to two days. This process allows the salt to absorb.
- After that, the first layer of salt is rinsed off so that the bacteria washes away as well as excess water.
- The most important part comes next. In order to mimic the changing of the seasons, the meat is hung in a special cellar. While it’s in there, the conditions change from humid and cold to hot and dry. This process is meant to melt the fat, preserve the ham, and give the meat its unique flavor.
If you make this meat in many places around the globe, then you could add your own personal touch. However, if you were to produce serrano ham in Spain, then it would need to be produced using these exact steps in order to match the quality control required by the Consorcio del Jamón Serrano Español.
Other requirements for the top quality mark include that the ham must have a minimum fat cover of one centimeter, that it must have a 34% decrease from its fresh weight, and it is dry-cured for an average of 12 months.
- 4-serving meals starting at $3.77 per serving (up to 25% cheaper than HelloFresh).
- Incredible variety with 10+ weekly meal options, delivered directly to you.
- Easy to prepare meals ready in 30-minutes or less.
What is Prosciutto?
©iStock.com/Natalia Semenova
The word prosciutto literally translates to “ham” in Italian, and it is primarily made in Italy, but it is also made around the world. Like deli ham, prosciutto can be both cooked and eaten raw, and it’s delicious either way.
How Prosciutto is Prepared
Like with serrano ham, the process of producing prosciutto can differ by region. However, if you make it the authentic way as they do in Italy, then you would do as follows:
- The ham is cut from the pig’s leg.
- The meat is rubbed generously with salt.
- Then the meat is left to rest for between a week to several weeks. It is during this time that the salt absorbs the excess water and remaining blood. This process is also essential to prevent bacteria from getting into the meat.
- After that period, the meat is washed so that the first layer of salt is rinsed away. Then, a new layer of salt is applied, along with other spices and herbs, like garlic and thyme. What is added will depend on the chef.
- The meat is left to rest and age in a dry and cool room for a period of 14-36 months. This is when the prosciutto acquires its unique flavor.
- In order to be official prosciutto di Parma, the final product must have a Ducal Crown mark that is issued by the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma
What are Substitutes for Serrano Ham?
If you’re on the side of serrano ham in the serrano ham vs. prosciutto debate, but you want to try something similar but also a bit different, then these alternatives should fit the bill:
Speck
This is a cured ham that is also made from pork leg and is seasoned with salt and other unique spices, like juniper, garlic, and bay leaves. It’s also sliced thinly, so you’ll get that unique texture. When you eat it, you’ll notice a mild, slightly salty, and smoky flavor. You can add it as an alternative to serrano ham in many different recipes.
Pancetta
Pancetta is an Italian cured meat that is made from pork belly and is seasoned with salt and a mix of herbs and spices. It offers a very similar texture, flavor, and color to serrano ham. It can be sliced, diced, and used on salads. It’s also tasty on its own, like serrano ham.
Bayonne Ham
Produced in the French city of Bayonne, this ham provides a mild and sweet flavor and a tender texture that makes it a great alternative to serrano ham. You can use it on salads, pizza, and as a filling for omelets. It’s also amazing as a garnish, and it works great on charcuterie boards.
Iberico Ham
This is another cured ham from Spain that is made from Iberico pigs, and it’s considered to be one of the most expensive hams in the world. It offers a bit of a different taste to serrano ham, as it’s more nutty and rich. However, it has a similar consistency, and it works great in many of the same dishes.
Prosciutto Recipes
If you love prosciutto, then you’re sure to love these tasty recipes that use it as a component or a topping.
Print
Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading…
Ingredients
4 (6 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
4 (1/2 ounce) slices reduced fat Jarlsberg or other Swiss cheese
4 thin slices prosciutto di Parma or reduced fat and reduced sodium ham
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed
- 4-serving meals starting at $3.77 per serving (up to 25% cheaper than HelloFresh).
- Incredible variety with 10+ weekly meal options, delivered directly to you.
- Easy to prepare meals ready in 30-minutes or less.
Instructions
1. Cut a pocket in the thick side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut through the sides. Fold the cheese slices in half, with a slice of prosciutto in the middle of each slice. Insert the cheese-prosciutto slices into the chicken. Wrap a piece of chicken to cover the cut side, and secure with a wooden pick.
2. Grease a large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray, add the oil, and heat over medium high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the chicken, rounded sides up, to the pan and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
3. Turn the chicken over, pour the wine onto the chicken, and sprinkle with the pepper and thyme.
4. Cover and cook over medium low heat until an instant read thermometer inserted in the chicken registers 160 degrees F and the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Serve with a side of green beans.
- Roasted Cod with Prosciutto and Fresh Sage – The cod is made even more delicious with the inclusion of prosciutto.
- Charcuterie Board – Add prosciutto and tasty cheeses to your board, and your guests will thank you.
- Savory Creamy Ham Fettuccine – The best way to have fettuccine is with a touch of prosciutto.
Conclusion
- Serrano ham comes from the Landrace pig. Prosciutto often comes from the Duroc pig, but can come from other pig breeds.
- Prosciutto has a sweet, buttery taste, while serrano ham is rich and savory. This flavor difference is due to the different pig breeds used.
- Serrano ham is chewy, while prosciutto has a very soft texture.
These are the primary differences and a few similarities that can be discussed in the debate of serrano ham vs. prosciutto. Both meats represent their own proud culture, and if you ever visit Spain or Italy, then you must try the meats at least once. Then, add some to your next dish and bring it to the next level.