There’s an undeniable charm in the ritual of preparing and serving salumi. From the sound of the first slice to the aroma of cured spices filling the air, serving salumi is about more than just putting food on a plate—it’s about celebrating craftsmanship, flavour, and tradition.
At Papandrea, our salumi is crafted using authentic Italian methods and the finest ingredients, resulting in a premium product that deserves to be sliced and served with care. Whether you’re building an antipasto platter or preparing a simple snack, this guide will help you get the most out of every slice.
What Is Salumi?
Salumi refers to a broad category of Italian cured meats, including salami, prosciutto, coppa, and bresaola. Each type of salumi is made using specific cuts of meat, seasoning blends, and curing techniques, resulting in a diverse range of flavours and textures.
At Papandrea, our salumi range celebrates this diversity, offering everything from spicy ‘nduja to classic Salame Milano. You can explore our full collection of salumi here.
How to Slice Salumi Correctly
The way salumi is sliced can significantly impact its taste and texture. Slicing too thick can overpower the palate, while slicing too thin may lose the meat’s full flavour profile.
General Slicing Tips:
- Use a sharp knife or meat slicer: A clean, precise cut helps maintain the shape and texture of the meat.
- Chill before slicing: If slicing at home, place the salumi in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to firm it up slightly. This makes it easier to achieve thin, even slices.
- Slice against the grain: This ensures tenderness and maximises flavour.
Slicing by Type:
- Salami: Best sliced thinly (1–2mm) to bring out its spice and fat balance.
- Prosciutto: Must be sliced ultra-thin to fully appreciate its melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Coppa: Medium-thin slices (2–3mm) highlight its marbling and rich flavour.
- ‘Nduja: As a spreadable salumi, it doesn’t need slicing. Simply serve with a spoon or knife at room temperature.
How to Serve Salumi
Presentation plays a big role in elevating your salumi experience—whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a quiet lunch at home.
1. Serve at Room Temperature
Always allow salumi to come to room temperature before serving. This unlocks the full aroma and flavour profile of the meat. Remove from the fridge 15–30 minutes prior to plating.
2. Build a Balanced Board
Pair a variety of salumi with complementary accompaniments:
- Cheeses: Soft brie, aged parmesan, creamy gorgonzola.
- Bread: Rustic sourdough, ciabatta, or crunchy grissini.
- Pickled Items: Gherkins, artichokes, caperberries.
- Fresh Elements: Sliced figs, grapes, cherry tomatoes.
- Condiments: Mustard, fig jam, or honey for contrast.
3. Use a Wooden or Slate Board
These surfaces help maintain the temperature and allow for natural presentation. Avoid plastic or metal trays, which can affect the look and feel.
4. Arrange by Type and Texture
Group your salumi by type and flavour profile, placing the milder meats near the front and the spicier, more robust varieties further back. This allows guests to explore the tasting journey gradually.
Pairing Salumi with Drinks
The right drink can elevate your salumi experience. Here are a few ideal pairings:
- Red Wine: Chianti or Barbera with salami and coppa.
- White Wine: Pinot Grigio with prosciutto.
- Sparkling Wine: Prosecco or Franciacorta with fatty or spicy salumi.
- Beer: A pale ale or pilsner with bolder, peppery meats.
Storing Your Salumi
To maintain freshness and flavour after opening:
- Wrap sliced salumi tightly in cling film or store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge between 0–4°C.
- Consume within 5–7 days for best quality.
- For whole salumi, store wrapped in baking paper or cloth and refrigerate.
Pro Tip: If your salumi becomes slightly dry, wrap it in a damp paper towel and store it in an airtight container overnight to restore some moisture.
Celebrate the Art of Salumi with Papandrea
Slicing and serving salumi is more than just food prep—it’s about honouring the care and craftsmanship that goes into each product. At Papandrea, we believe in preserving the rich traditions of Italian salumi while using high-quality Australian ingredients to bring the best of both worlds to your table.
Explore our range of salumi and discover how easy it is to elevate your everyday meals with premium, artisanal cured meats—crafted with passion, served with pride.