Soppressata vs. Salami: What’s the Difference bewteen Them?

The question of soppressata vs. salami is more complicated than you may think, based on the relationship between the two. Salami is the blanket term for the type of cured meat often found in Italy. Soppressata is a type of salami with its own unique characteristics.

The relationship between soppressata and salami is like a parent and child relationship. Salami is a category of meat, of which genoa salami, pepperoni, and soppressata are a part.

What Is Salami?

Salami is a cured meat presented in a cylindrical shape. This food is made of animal fat, various spices, and minced meat—often pork. Salami has robust seasonings and makes a natural pairing eaten simply as-is with a cheese and cracker platter.

Salami comes in a wide variety, from the genoa salami you commonly see on a classic charcuterie board to the pepperoni sprinkled on top of your favorite pizza. It does not indicate a specific recipe, color, shape, or cooking process to be considered salami.

Italy is a country that is very proud of the distinct customs and heritage found in the different regions of Italy. Processed meats that are considered salami come from all over Italy, from Genoa to Milan and Tuscany.

Further Reading: Salami vs. Pepperoni: What’s the Difference Between Them?

Other Types of Salami

While salami was invented and perfected in its homeland of Italy, other countries have attempted their own unique version of this processed meat.

In addition to the many varieties of salami in Italy, France, Spain, Germany, and Hungary all have their own preferred versions.

  • French salami is called Saucisson Sec and can be made with dried fruits or cheese to create a unique flavor.
  • German salami is usually a pork and beef blend that has a higher fat content than other salami.
  • Hungarian salami is also very fatty, similar to its German salami neighbor.
  • Salchichon salami is native to Spain, made with pork and beef, and is predominantly seasoned with peppercorns.

What Is Soppressata?

Soppressata is a dry, Italian salami that can be cured or uncured meat. Unlike other salami, it stays true to a specific recipe and is defined by the region of Italy it comes from. Soppressata also has a unique storing technique and is available in spicy or mild flavors.

Soppressata comes from a specific region of Italy, based on whether it is cured or uncured.
Cured sopressata hails from Calabria most often, but also Basilicata and Apulia. Uncured sopressata is made in the Liguria region or in Tuscany.

This processed meat is commonly made with pork, but other recipes use beef, which is ground and pressed into an uneven shape, like a flat oval. This rustic appearance is in direct contrast to salami, which often has a very uniform cylindrical shape and is sliced into perfect circles.

The soppressata is dried for a long time to achieve its final flavor, a process that can take between three to twelve weeks. The final product is a deep red color and is often cut into thin slices and served with a charcuterie tray or simply on a slice of rustic bread.

What’s the Difference between Salami and Soppressata?

If you call soppressata a salami, technically, you aren’t wrong. You are just using the broad category name instead of the specific name for soppressata. However, for the sake of being exact, here are telltale signs you have a soppressata vs. salami.

Key Feature of Salami

  • Salami is usually formed into a uniform, cylinder shape, that when cut, makes perfect circles.
  • It’s most often cured meats and include various types of processed meats from all over the various regions of Italy.

Key Feature of Soppressata

  • Soppressata is usually a vibrant, red hue—different from the more subdued, pink colors of many other salamis.
  • It also does not have a uniform shape and instead has a more rustic profile in the form of a squared-off oval.
  • Soppressata can be cured or uncured.

Uses for Salami

Salami is most commonly eaten as-is, straight from the package and onto a meat and cheese board. It is an excellent accompaniment to various cheeses, from smooth Gruyere and fontina cheeses to robust Irish cheddar or even a funky goat cheese.

Salami is often found in cold-cut sandwiches piled high with similar meats into an Italian sub sandwich. One of the most popular pizza toppings of all time is an Italian-American creation borrowed from the masters and now globally famous: pepperoni.

If you are looking for wine pairings for salami, try a red wine that can stand up to these flavorful and often slightly spicy processed meats. Reach for a medium-bodied Malbec for a delicious salami pairing with the variety of cheeses listed above.

Uses for Soppressata

Soppressata’s pairing is dependent on the kind of it you have.

  • This firm yet chewy processed meat, if made with Calabrian chile peppers in the traditional fashion, can make the final product spicy.
  • The mild version uses black pepper instead for a more mellow flavor.

A spicy soppressata will be well-balanced with Swiss or fontina cheeses for a smooth complement to this spicy meat. Try a full-bodied white wine like a Chardonnay or, if you’re more of a red wine drinker, reach for a robust Syrah to balance out the spicy soppressata.

If you have chosen a mild soppressata, bring in a spicy kick with pepper jack cheese for a perfect bite. A great wine pairing for this mild salami would be many of the most popular varietals, including Sauvignon Blanc for white wines and Pinot Noir for red wine drinkers.

Wrapping Up

Soppressata is easily distinguishable from other salami by its color, size, and the region of Italy it hails from. Salami is a prevalent kind of food in Italian cuisine and makes up an entire category of meat, of which soppressata is a part.

Salami’s influence has extended beyond Italy as well. These signature flavors are also replicated throughout other areas of Europe and even the United States, with the popularity of Sauccison Sec, pepperoni, and Salchichon.

I’m Jennifer Schlette, a Registered Dietitian and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. I love cooking, reading, and my kids! Here you’ll find the healthiest recipes & substitutions for your cooking. Enjoy, and be well, friends!

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