The Different Types of Prosciutto Cotto,and How They Compare to American Ham

In Italy, prosciutto cotto—literally “cooked ham” is a beloved specialty enjoyed daily in homes, cafes, and restaurants. Unlike dry-cured prosciutto crudo, this ham is gently steam-cooked, giving it a delicate texture and a mild, savory flavor. 

Italian tradition distinguishes three types of prosciutto cotto, each crafted with increasing levels of selection and care: 

• Cooked Ham (Prosciutto Cotto Tradizionale) – Soft, uniform in color, moist in texture, and widely used in everyday meals. 

• Selected Cooked Ham (Prosciutto Cotto Scelto) – Made from whole cuts of pork, with a more natural color, structure, and balanced flavor. 

• High-Quality Cooked Ham (Prosciutto Cotto Alta Qualità) – Crafted only from the finest Italian pork legs, carefully steam-cooked to preserve tenderness. With its delicate rosy hue and refined taste, it represents the very best of Italian charcuterie. 
  

  

Prosciutto cotto is not just a tradition-it is legally defined in Italy. According to the Decreto Taluni Salumi (Ministerial Decree of September 21, 2005), the term “prosciutto cotto” is reserved for ham obtained from pork legs that are trimmed, deboned, and cooked with a brine solution of water, salt (including iodized salt), and sometimes sodium or potassium nitrite. 

The main processing steps include: 

1. Preparation of the brine – dissolving and mixing the ingredients. 

2. Salting – adding the brine to the meat and massaging it to ensure flavor distribution. 

3. Shaping – placing the ham in a mold or casing to give its distinct oval shape. 

4. Cooking – slow steam-cooking to achieve tenderness. 

5. Optional pasteurization – to ensure food safety and shelf life. 

The law also defines when a ham can be called “Scelto” (Selected) or “Alta Qualità” (High Quality): 

• Prosciutto Cotto Scelto must have at least three of the four main pork leg muscles visible and a moisture level of ≤ 79.5%. 

• Prosciutto Cotto Alta Qualità must meet the same muscle requirement with a moisture level of ≤ 76.5%. 

All Golfera prosciutti cotti including those made for the U.S. market qualify as Alta Qualità. 

And while American regulations differ, what consumers can always count on are the certified claims: 

• NO added polyphosphates 

• NO added nitrites or nitrates 

This ensures that Golfera’s prosciutto cotto reflects the highest standards of craftsmanship and purity. 

Prosciutto Cotto and American Ham 

Across the ocean, ham holds an equally special place in American culture. From Thanksgiving feasts to deli counters, it is a staple that brings families together. While prosciutto cotto reflects Italian craftsmanship with its rosy hue and soft, subtle slices, American ham delivers heartier cuts and a familiar, comforting flavor. 

Rather than competing, the two styles complement each other, showing how different cultures elevate the same beloved food. 

Golfera’s Signature Prosciutto Cotto 

At Golfera, we carry forward the Italian art of prosciutto cotto with two specialties: 

• Gardenia Premium Ham 

  Delicate, tender, and prepared with an exclusive recipe that makes it perfect for daily enjoyment. 
  

  

• Bracerì Premium Cooked Ham with Herbs -A gourmet masterpiece,  slow-roasted, enhanced with aromatic Mediterranean herbs. 

These hams embody the Alta Qualità standard and bring the true essence of Italian charcuterie to your table. 

How to Enjoy Prosciutto Cotto at Home

Prosciutto cotto isn’t just for slicing—it’s a versatile ingredient that food lovers can explore in countless ways: 

• Gourmet Sandwiches – Layer Gardenia Premium Ham with roasted zucchini, mozzarella, and pesto for an authentic Italian panino. 

• Light Pairings – Pair slices of Bracerì with figs, burrata, and arugula for an elegant appetizer board. 

• Pasta Perfection – Add diced prosciutto cotto to creamy risotto or baked pasta for a comforting family meal. 

• Breakfast Twist – Wrap slices around eggs or use it in a quiche for a Mediterranean brunch. 

• Pizza Topping – Place thin slices on a white pizza with ricotta and arugula after baking for a restaurant-quality flavor. 

Whether it’s Italy’s prosciutto cotto or America’s classic ham, cooked ham is a culinary tradition that unites families and cultures. With Golfera’s premium selection, you can enjoy the Alta Qualità of authentic Italian prosciutto cotto bringing elegance, flavor, and inspiration to every meal.