Prosciutto is a type of pork —specifically, it’s a dry-cured ham made from the hind leg of a pig.

What prosciutto actually is

  • The word “prosciutto” in Italian literally means “ham,” and it is made only from the back (hind) legs of pigs.
  • It’s salted and dry-aged for many months, which is why it can be eaten thinly sliced without further cooking.

Types of prosciutto

  • Prosciutto crudo: Uncooked but cured ham, the silky, translucent slices most people picture on charcuterie boards.
  • Prosciutto cotto: Cooked ham, more similar to a delicate, high‑quality deli ham.

Quick scoop for charcuterie lovers

  • Prosciutto is always from pork; if a similar style is made from beef, it goes by a different name and is not technically prosciutto.
  • Classic versions like Prosciutto di Parma or San Daniele are famous for their slightly sweet, savory flavor and melt‑in‑the‑mouth texture.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.