What Is Charcuterie?
In the French tradition, charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”) is the art of preparing and assembling cured meats and meat products. The idea of charcuterie has become very popular outside of France, and the term has evolved to include a variety of foods besides meat. A charcuterie board is an assortment of meats, cheeses, artisan breads, olives, fruit, and nuts, all artfully arranged on a serving board. If you want to offer charcuterie on your menu, we’ll explain the basics, identify some of the most popular types of charcuterie, and help you make an impressive completed board.
Charcuterie Definition
Charcuterie is a branch of cooking involving prepared meats, such as ham, sausage, bacon, confit, or other pork products. The word originated in France, and it translates to “pork-butcher shop.” While the original French translation refers to pork, modern charcuterie boards include other types of food like pate, cheese, crackers, fruit, nuts, and dips.